recidivist

American  

[ri-si-duhv-ist] / rɪˈsɪ dəvˌɪst /

noun

1. a person who returns to a previous behavior, especially by committing a subsequent crime after being punished for a previous one; someone who engages in recidivism.

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Explanation

Use the noun recidivist to describe someone who can't stop committing crimes — for example, a repeat shoplifter is a recidivist If you've got serious backsliding tendencies, this could be your next step: recidivist is tech-talk for "repeat offender." A recidivist is basically someone who can't help lapsing into previous bad behavior patterns, usually of the criminal kind. An inmate who is released from prison and immediately steals a car can be described as a recidivist.

Example Sentences

It will, however, create additional programming for TV, more advertising, revenue, opportunities for recidivist gamblers, etc.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

He died a week ago for want of $500 to make a $5,000 bond, held as a recidivist for allegedly shoplifting a $24 pair of pants and a $20 electric shaver from Walmart in July.

From Slate • Aug. 24, 2023

While Saunders’ narrative hinges on Jeff’s altruism toward a repeat recidivist he’s indifferent about, the film relies on his attachment to a romantic partner.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2022

Pritchard said the SEC could "tell a court that he's a recidivist violator of the securities laws and that he needs to be dealt with harshly."

From Reuters • Apr. 5, 2022

To analyse the sensibility of a soul mounting on flaming pinions to God is easier than to describe the modulations of a moral recidivist.

From Unicorns by Huneker, James