Is 'reelection' (without a hyphen) correct?

Yes, 'reelection' is a common variant, especially in American English. However, 're-election' with a hyphen is the traditional and often preferred form in formal writing to clarify the prefix.

Can you use 're-election' for non-political roles?

It is primarily political. For roles like a club chair or committee head, 'reappointment' or 're-selection' is more typical, though 're-election' can be used if a formal vote is involved.

What is the opposite of 'win re-election'?

The direct opposite is 'lose re-election' or 'be defeated for re-election'. More formally, 'be ousted' or 'be voted out'.

Is 're-elect' a verb?

Yes, 're-elect' (hyphenated) is a verb meaning to elect again. The noun form is 're-election'. Example: 'The people re-elected the president.'

re-election

UK/ˌriːɪˈlɛkʃ(ə)n/US/ˌriːəˈlɛkʃ(ə)n/

Formal

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

The act of being elected again to the same political office or position.

The process or campaign for securing another term in an elected office; can also be used metaphorically in non-political contexts for being chosen again for a role.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Typically used in political and organisational contexts. Implies a previous successful election. The hyphen is standard, though 'reelection' is an accepted variant.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning. Spelling with hyphen ('re-election') is slightly more common in UK English; 'reelection' is slightly more common in US English, but both forms are used in both varieties.

Connotations

Identical. Carries connotations of incumbency, political continuity, and democratic process.

Frequency

High frequency in political discourse in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in US media due to fixed election cycles.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

seek re-electionwin re-electioncampaign for re-electionbid for re-electionrun for re-election

medium

re-election bidre-election campaignre-election effortface re-electionstand for re-election

weak

secure re-electionfight for re-electionloss of re-electionyear of re-election

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The [President] is seeking re-election.[Subject] won/lost his/her re-election.The campaign for [Possessive] re-election.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

continuation in officeretention of office

Neutral

another terma second termreappointment (in appointed roles)

Weak

reinstatementreconfirmation

Vocabulary

Antonyms

defeatoustingremoval from officeterm limit

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“On the re-election trail”
“Fight for political survival”
“A vote of confidence (metaphorically)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare. Used for shareholder-elected board members: 'The director is up for re-election.'

Academic

Used in political science, history, and governance studies.

Everyday

Common in news reports and discussions about politics.

Technical

Specific to electoral systems and constitutional law.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The MP decided to stand for re-election.
The Prime Minister is campaigning hard for re-election.

American English

The senator is running for re-election.
The governor will seek re-election next fall.

adverb

British English

Not applicable as 're-election' is not used as an adverb.

American English

Not applicable as 're-election' is not used as an adverb.

adjective

British English

The re-election campaign was fiercely fought.
He faced a re-election battle in his constituency.

American English

Her re-election bid was successful.
The re-election effort focused on key swing states.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The mayor wants re-election.
She won re-election last year.

The president's bid for re-election dominated the news cycle.
After a successful first term, her re-election seemed likely.

The incumbent's re-election strategy pivoted following the economic downturn.
Constitutional term limits barred him from seeking re-election a third time.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'RE' means again + 'ELECTION' = election again.

Conceptual Metaphor

POLITICAL SURVIVAL IS A CONTEST/BATTLE; CONTINUITY IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'on the trail to re-election').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid literal translation like 'перевыборы' which is incorrect. The correct Russian equivalent is 'переизбрание'.
Do not confuse with 'повторные выборы' (repeat elections/re-vote).

Common Mistakes

Misspelling as 'reelection' without hyphen (though this is often accepted).
Using it for non-elected roles (e.g., 're-election as club chairperson' is marginal; 'reappointment' is better).
Incorrect verb pattern: 'He will re-elect' is wrong; 'He will seek re-election' is correct.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The council member announced she would not be re-election.

Multiple Choice

Which phrase is the most natural collocation?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, 'reelection' is a common variant, especially in American English. However, 're-election' with a hyphen is the traditional and often preferred form in formal writing to clarify the prefix.
: It is primarily political. For roles like a club chair or committee head, 'reappointment' or 're-selection' is more typical, though 're-election' can be used if a formal vote is involved.
: The direct opposite is 'lose re-election' or 'be defeated for re-election'. More formally, 'be ousted' or 'be voted out'.
: Yes, 're-elect' (hyphenated) is a verb meaning to elect again. The noun form is 're-election'. Example: 'The people re-elected the president.'