1. people who repeatedly commit crimes or return to criminal behavior after being punished or treated
Usage: legal/criminology term; plural form of recidivist

Examples

• The prison program aims to reduce the number of recidivists by providing job training.
• Studies show that recidivists often struggle with addiction and mental health issues.
• The judge imposed harsher sentences on known recidivists.
• Community support programs help prevent former inmates from becoming recidivists.
• Statistics indicate that recidivists make up a significant portion of the prison population.
• The rehabilitation center focuses on breaking the cycle that creates recidivists.