WordGarden.io
Back to search

rebuild

B1
verb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rɪbˈɪld/

US

  • /riˈbɪld/

Description

To rebuild means to construct something again after it has been damaged or destroyed. Think of a little bird rebuilding its nest after a storm, or a city rebuilding after a disaster. But "rebuild" isn't just about physical structures! You can also rebuild trust with someone you've hurt, or rebuild your life after a difficult time. It implies effort and a return to a former state—or even something better. A carpenter might rebuild a table, while a politician might promise to rebuild the economy.

Examples

  1. 1

    Home repair

    After the fire, the family spent a year rebuilding their house.

  2. 2

    Disaster recovery

    The city is still rebuilding after the earthquake.

  3. 3

    Physical recovery

    She worked hard to rebuild her strength after the operation.

  4. 4

    Trust

    It takes time to rebuild trust after a lie.

  5. 5

    Life change

    After the divorce, he moved to another town to rebuild his life.

    • Phrase

      rebuild your life

      create a stable, satisfying life again

  6. 6

    Reputation

    The company is trying to rebuild its reputation with better customer service.

  7. 7

    Sports team

    The team is rebuilding with younger players this season.

    • Domain

      in sports or business, be rebuilding

      be trying to become strong again

See also

verbbuild again or restore after damage or loss

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • rebuild a house
  • rebuild after a disaster
  • rebuild trust
  • rebuild from scratch

Word family

Explore

  • recovery
  • redevelopment

Forms and spellings

7 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • rebuildverb

Forms

  • re-building-ing formverb
  • re-builtpast tensepast participleverb
  • re-buildsverb
  • rebuilding-ing formverb
  • rebuiltpast tensepast participleverb
  • rebuildsverb