Query Relaxation is a search technique where a strict, high precision query is followed by a wider one if there are no or poor results. A simple example is switching the query from an OR to an AND. Like [[Query Expansion]], query relaxation aims to increase recall while minimizing the loss of precision. If we already have a reasonable quantity and quality of results, then query relaxation probably isn’t worth the risk. Query relaxation is most useful for queries that return few or no results, since those are the queries for which we have the least to lose and the most to gain. But remember that more results doesn’t necessarily mean better results. Use query relaxation, but use it with care. https://queryunderstanding.com/query-relaxation-342bc37ad425