What does remedial mean?
“Remedial” describes something that seeks to correct a deficiency, weakness, or error. It is especially common in education, where remedial classes, teaching, or coursework provide extra instruction to students who are struggling with reading, writing, mathematics, or another subject. The word can also describe corrective medical or therapeutic measures intended to improve functioning or relieve a condition. In general use, “remedial” carries a practical and intervention-focused meaning: it suggests action taken to repair a problem or help someone overcome a gap. The term is formal but widely understood, appearing in contexts such as remedial teaching, remedial work, and remedial treatment. It is useful because it distinguishes focused corrective support from general instruction or treatment whose main purpose is not to address a specific deficiency.
adjectiveConsisting of or intended to correct a deficiency, error, or weakness, especially through additional teaching or treatment. In education, it describes instruction or classes designed to help students who are struggling with basic skills.
- Intended to correct or improve a deficiency, weakness, or failure, especially through instruction, treatment, or additional support.
- Relating to remedial education, including classes or teaching designed for learners who need extra help.
- Relating to medicine or therapy intended to alleviate a condition or restore functioning.
"The school offered remedial English classes for students who needed extra support."
"The teacher developed a remedial plan to address the pupils' gaps in reading."
"He underwent remedial physiotherapy after the operation."
From remedies to recovery: “remedial” is the adjective for what happens when a gap in learning or health is actively addressed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remedial come from?
The word comes through Latin, from “remedialis,” meaning “of or relating to a remedy.” That adjective was based on “remedium,” a remedy or cure, which in turn belongs to the Latin family associated with “mederi,” “to heal.” English borrowed the word in the early modern period for the idea of correcting or curing. Its educational sense developed later, especially during the expansion of formal schooling and systems for identifying learners who needed additional assistance.
Related word forms
How remedial is actually used
In British and American English, “remedial” is common in education, medicine, and workplace training. In schools, it often refers specifically to additional support for learners who are below expected standards. It can imply that a basic or previously unsuccessful approach is being supplemented, so it is sometimes used more narrowly than “corrective.”