Comeback

Comeback is a noun describing a return to former status after decline or inactivity; it can apply to people, teams, brands, or institutions. It can also refer to a successful return in performance or public life after a setback. The term originates from the phrasal verb come back and has been in use since at least the 19th century to describe revival or re-emergence.

In sports, a comeback refers to a player or team overcoming a deficit or injury to regain top form. A comeback season is a period marked by a return to previous levels of performance. In entertainment, a comeback describes an artist returning with new work after a hiatus; a comeback tour is a concert series marking such a return.

In politics and business, a comeback can mean a politician winning office again after a defeat, or a company re-establishing itself after financial trouble, often through strategy changes, leadership changes, or rebranding. A notable aspect is media coverage that frames the revival as a narrative of resilience.

The term is often used colloquially and in press coverage; it is not a formal criterion or diagnosis. Some contexts distinguish between personal recovery from illness or addiction and a professional return to prominence, using terms like rehabilitation or revival to convey different nuances.

See also: comeback story, comeback tour, comeback season, comeback kid.