Convalescent describes someone who is recovering from an illness or injury. When you're convalescent, you're past the worst part of being sick but not yet back to full strength. You might still need extra rest, light activity instead of sports practice, and time to rebuild your energy.

A person in this recovering state is called a convalescent. After pneumonia, you might spend a week as a convalescent, gradually feeling better each day but not quite ready to return to your normal routine. Your body is healing and growing stronger, but it needs time.

Think of it like a battery recharging: you're no longer drained, but you're not at 100% yet either. A convalescent period is that in-between time when you're getting well but still need to take it easier than usual. Doctors might recommend convalescent care, which means special attention during recovery.

In the past, people sometimes went to convalescent homes, places specifically designed for people recovering from serious illnesses. Today, someone might be described as convalescent when they're home from the hospital but still need a few more days or weeks before they're completely themselves again.