Definitions

1. noun

The tendency of a person to relapse into criminal behavior after release from prison or other confinement.

“The high rate of recidivism in the city’s prisons led to a re-evaluation of the rehabilitation programs.”

2. noun

The act or tendency of a person or thing to revert to a previous state.

“The company’s financial reports showed a high rate of recidivism in sales after the economic downturn.”