What does retaker mean?
A retaker is most commonly a person who takes an examination, test, or course assessment again after an unsuccessful first attempt. It is especially useful when the focus is on the person rather than on the act of retaking: an exam retaker, for example, is someone returning to sit the same or an equivalent assessment. The term is used in both British and American English, although resitter is particularly established in Britain. In a less common sense, a retaker can be someone who takes back or recovers possession of something. In its principal educational meaning, the word is neutral and factual, though it often carries the implication of a previous failure and a desire for a second opportunity. It can therefore describe someone seeking to improve a result, complete a qualification, or demonstrate greater mastery than on the earlier attempt.
A person who takes an examination, test, or assessment again after an unsuccessful attempt.
"The school arranged a separate room for each exam retaker."
Common in both British and American English; resitter is a common British alternative.
A person who takes back or recovers possession of something.
"The retaker of the stolen bicycle left a detailed description with the police."
This is a less common and more literal sense.
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The retakers received guidance on how to prepare for the examination."
A retaker turns a failed attempt into a fresh start: the word describes someone who returns to the same test with another chance to succeed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retaker come from?
The word retaker was formed by adding the prefix re-, meaning again, to take and then using the agentive suffix -er. The underlying verb take is of Germanic origin and is related cognately to words such as undertake and mistake. The form retaker developed as a designation for a person who takes an examination again, especially in educational contexts.
Related word forms
How retaker is actually used
The word is most commonly used for someone who retakes an exam. In educational contexts, resitter is a frequent British alternative. The broader sense involving reclaiming something is comparatively uncommon.
Easily confused with retaker
Both refer to a person who sits an examination again, but resitter is especially common in British English, while retaker is used in both British and American English.