What's the difference between convalescence, recuperation, and recovery? Convalescence is the period or process of becoming healthy and well again after an illness or operation. ⇒ Also thanks to Lucy and Guthrie Scott for inviting me to stay with them during my convalescence. When you recuperate, you recover your health or strength after you have been ill or injured. recuperation ⇒ Leonard was very pleased with his powers of recuperation. If a sick person makes a recovery, he or she becomes well again. ⇒ He made a remarkable recovery from a shin injury. http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/american-cobuild-learners Are 'convalescence', 'recuperation, and 'recovery interchangeable' meaningly in the three sentences? If not, is there some difference between 'convalescence', 'recuperation', and 'recovery'?