Recoverable

Recoverable is an adjective meaning capable of being recovered, retrieved, or restored to a previous state. It is used in everyday language to describe objects that can be brought back to usable condition, as well as in technical and professional contexts where a process, data, or resource can be recovered after loss, damage, or failure.

In computing and information technology, recoverable often describes errors, data, or states that can be restored without permanent loss. A recoverable error is one that a system can recover from through corrective action. In databases and transaction processing, recoverable transactions are designed so that, after a crash, the system can redo or undo actions to preserve data integrity.

In energy, mining, and environmental science, recoverable resources or reserves are quantities that can be technically and economically extracted with current technology and prices. The classification depends on technology, economics, and regulatory conditions and can change over time. This term contrasts with non-recoverable, undiscovered, or unrecoverable resources.

In waste management and recycling, recoverable materials are components that can be reclaimed from waste streams and reused, reducing the need for new raw materials.

Etymology and related usage: recoverable derives from Latin recuperabilis, via French récoverable, ultimately from re- “again” + capere “to take.” Related terms include recoverability and irrecoverable.