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

When the subject under examination is a recidivist, care should be taken to ascertain at what age and under what circumstances the initial offence was committed.

From Criminal Man According to the Classification of Cesare Lombroso by Lombroso, Gina