What it means
A retest is a return to a chart level that has already been broken. After price moves above resistance or below support, it may later move back toward that same area. This return is commonly called a retest.
Why it matters in live markets
A retest can show whether a former level remains relevant in the new market structure. It may show continuation, hesitation, or failed-breakout risk, depending on how price behaves around the level. A retest does not guarantee the next move.
Key points
- A retest is a return to a previously broken level.
- It often follows a breakout from support, resistance, or a range.
- The level may be tested as an area rather than an exact price.
- A retest can lead to continuation, sideways movement, or failure.
- It is a market-structure concept, not a trading instruction.
Example
If price breaks above a resistance area, then later pulls back toward that same area, traders may describe the move as a retest of the breakout level.
Related glossary terms
Breakout, Failed breakout, Support and resistance, Market structure, Volatility
Where you will see it
You will usually see retests discussed in breakout education, support and resistance guides, chart tutorials, and market-structure explainers.