What does remedy mean?
A remedy is something that is used to cure, relieve, or correct a problem. As a noun, it may denote a medical treatment, such as a remedy for a headache, but it is also commonly used more broadly for a solution to a difficulty, such as a remedy for poor service or a remedy for financial problems. As a verb, remedy means to correct or improve a situation that is unsatisfactory. The word often carries a practical, positive connotation, suggesting that a solution is available, although a remedy may be temporary, partial, or merely intended to alleviate a problem rather than remove its underlying cause. In legal and institutional contexts, the same meaning appears in expressions such as a legal remedy, where it means a form of relief or correction available through the law. Remedy is therefore useful wherever an issue, fault, disorder, or unmet need requires attention.
A medicine or other treatment intended to cure or relieve a disease, disorder, or ailment; more broadly, a solution or corrective measure for a problem or difficulty.
"The doctor recommended a simple remedy for the pain."
The phrase “a remedy for” is especially common. In medical contexts, remedy may imply a treatment that relieves or cures a condition; in general contexts, it means a practical solution to a problem.
To correct, improve, or eliminate a problem, fault, or difficulty.
"The governor introduced reforms to remedy the shortages."
The verb is usually transitive and formal in register, though it is widely understood in general and professional contexts.
The plural is formed by adding -ies to remedy, with the final y changing to i before -es. Use a plural when referring to multiple medicines, treatments, or solutions.
"The article discusses several home remedies for common ailments."
From Latin remedium, meaning “a remedy” or “medicine,” the word has long referred not only to healing the body but also to putting right anything that goes wrong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remedy come from?
The English word comes from Latin remedium, a noun meaning “a remedy,” “cure,” or “medicine.” Latin remedium is related to mederi, “to heal,” and medicus, “a physician or doctor,” which also underlie words such as medicine and medical. The word entered English in the Middle English period and initially referred especially to medicinal treatment, before developing its broader modern sense of a corrective solution to a problem.
Related word forms
How remedy is actually used
In general use, remedy is often associated with a specific problem or difficulty: one speaks of a remedy for financial difficulties or a remedy for poor communication. In medical contexts, it usually means a treatment or medicine intended to relieve or cure a condition. The noun is generally countable, and the verb takes an object: “to remedy the situation.”
Easily confused with remedy
This distinction does not apply because both terms refer to the same word.