regressive

adjective

re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
1
: tending to regress or produce regression
2
: being, characterized by, or developing in the course of an evolutionary process involving increasing simplification of bodily structure
3
: decreasing in rate as the base increases
a regressive tax
regressively adverb
regressiveness noun
regressivity noun

Examples of regressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How could Jesus-loving people support a bill so harsh and regressive? MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 The sensual image immediately divided people online, with some fans calling it empowering while critics deemed it offensive, regressive or anti-feminist. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 July 2025 Putting a tax on food is probably the most regressive idea imaginable. George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 That made the laws regressive, but no group looked worse off. Emily Badger, New York Times, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for regressive

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regressive was in 1634

Cite this Entry

“Regressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regressive. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

regressive

adjective
re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or tending toward regression
2
: gradually decreasing
a regressive tax

Medical Definition

regressive

adjective
re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
: relating to, resulting from, producing, or characterized by regression
regressive behavior
regressive tissue changes

More from Merriam-Webster on regressive

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