retrieval: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “retrieval” mean?
The act of getting something back, especially information or an object that was stored or lost.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of getting something back, especially information or an object that was stored or lost.
The process of recovering or accessing stored data, memories, or items; restoration to a usable state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Slight preference for 'retrieval' in UK computing contexts, while US usage is more evenly spread across fields.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more technical connotation in UK English.
Frequency
More frequent in American English in business/logistics contexts; equally common in academic/technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “retrieval” in a Sentence
retrieval of + NOUNretrieval from + SOURCEfor retrievalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retrieval” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software retrieves archived emails from the server.
American English
- The system retrieves customer records from the database.
adverb
British English
- The data was retrievably stored in the cloud.
American English
- Files are retrievably archived for seven years.
adjective
British English
- The retrieval mechanism needs maintenance.
American English
- We improved the retrieval time by 40%.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The retrieval of archived client files took two working days.
Academic
Memory retrieval declines with age but can be trained.
Everyday
The retrieval of my lost keys from the sofa was a relief.
Technical
The database uses indexed retrieval for faster query results.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “retrieval”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retrieval”
- Using 'retrieval' as a verb (incorrect: 'I will retrieval the data'; correct: 'I will retrieve').
- Confusing 'retrieval' with 'return' (retrieval implies active searching/fetching).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while common in computing (data retrieval), it's also used in psychology (memory retrieval), logistics (goods retrieval), and everyday contexts.
'Retrieval' emphasizes the process of accessing/fetching something stored, while 'recovery' often implies restoring something damaged or lost to its original state.
No, 'retrieval' is only a noun. The verb form is 'retrieve'.
Rarely used, but 'retrievals' can refer to multiple instances of retrieval operations in technical contexts.
The act of getting something back, especially information or an object that was stored or lost.
Retrieval is usually formal/neutral in register.
Retrieval: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈtriːv(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈtriːv(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “beyond retrieval”
- “past retrieval”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog RETRIEVing a stick - it's bringing it BACK. Retrieval = the act of bringing back.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS A STORED OBJECT (we retrieve memories from storage)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'retrieval' LEAST appropriate?