What does resurgence mean?
A resurgence is the renewed growth, activity, interest, or popularity of something that had previously declined, weakened, or become inactive. The word is commonly used in contexts such as economic recovery, political revival, renewed cultural interest, and the return of public attention to an issue. It conveys more than a small fluctuation: a resurgence usually suggests a noticeable or substantial reawakening, often with renewed momentum. For example, a resurgence in public interest may lead to increased sales of a product, more debate about a policy, or renewed participation in a cultural activity. Although the word is also used for physical recovery, such as a resurgence in demand, its figurative uses are particularly common. In formal writing, it can help distinguish a meaningful revival from a brief fluctuation, while its literary tone may make it less suitable for very casual contexts.
nounA resurgence is a renewed increase in activity, interest, growth, or popularity after a period of decline or inactivity. It most often describes a significant or widespread reawakening.
- A renewed increase in activity, interest, growth, support, or popularity after a decline or period of inactivity.
- A significant recovery or reawakening in a public, cultural, economic, or political trend.
"The resurgence of interest in traditional crafts has inspired a new generation of makers."
"The city experienced a remarkable resurgence after new investment revitalized its historic center."
"There has been a strong resurgence of support for policies that protect rural communities."
The plural is uncommon but follows the standard regular form.
"The country has witnessed several economic resumptions and resurgences in recent decades."
A resurgence is the moment an idea, movement, or trend refuses to disappear and returns with renewed force.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resurgence come from?
The word comes through Latin from resurgere, formed from re-, meaning “again,” and surgere, meaning “to rise” or “to surge.” The same Latin root underlies surge and the adjective resurgent. English uses of the noun developed through the sense of a rising again or renewed growth, and by the 19th century it was established for both physical and figurative revival.
Related word forms
How resurgence is actually used
Generally formal and somewhat literary, especially when used for public or cultural trends. It is often more emphatic than a simple revival and suggests renewed force or significance.
Easily confused with resurgence
A resurgence is a renewed increase or revival of activity, whereas resistance is an effort to oppose or withstand something.
A resurgence implies that something existed before and has returned or intensified, while an emergence is the process of becoming apparent or known.