1
Return of activity
Renewed participation after a period of inactivity.
Example
The district experienced a resurgence of independent theatres.
resurgence
/rɪˈsɜːdʒəns/ · rih-SUR-juhnsnoun
A renewed rise in activity, strength, popularity, or occurrence after decline.
Use resurgence when something that had weakened, disappeared, or become inactive returns with renewed force.
What resurgence Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Recovery of a population
A species or community increasing again after decline.
Example
Protected nesting sites enabled a resurgence in turtle numbers.
3
Renewed problem
A harmful condition returning after improvement.
Example
Officials monitored a resurgence of the disease.
Use resurgence Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The district experienced a resurgence of independent theatres.
Protected nesting sites enabled a resurgence in turtle numbers.
Officials monitored a resurgence of the disease.
Precision Matters
Resurgence overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
resurgence
vs.Is a return from decline.
moribund
Is close to death or disappearance—the contrast.
resurgence
vs.Is the renewed activity itself.
resilient
Is the capacity to recover.
resurgence
vs.May mark sustained renewed strength.
ephemeral
Lasts only briefly.
resurgence
vs.Is a pattern of revival.
watershed
Is a pivotal event causing later change.
Test resurgence in Context
The population rises strongly after a long decline.
1
After nearly disappearing from the river, the fish has shown a remarkable ___, with surveys recording its highest population in forty years.