regressive

adjective

re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgre-siv 

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

ˌrē-ˌgre-ˈsi-və-tē 

noun

Examples of regressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many called out her sexualized album artwork, the singer being dragged across the floor by her hair—a choice some say promotes regressive gender stereotypes. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

This summer saw the return of capris and polka dots, a combination that feels very 1950s-retro-dream-girl, an interesting choice during a time of regressive politics and attitudes towards women and autonomy. —Essence, 21 Aug. 2025

Property tax increases might be the most regressive of all of them. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025

Kaine’s measure was rapidly voted down; as of this writing, in July, the House resolutions seem likely to die quietly before reaching a floor vote, particularly since Johnson opposes the War Powers Act and is emboldened by the passage of Trump’s regressive and authoritarian sending bill. —Chris Lehmann, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for regressive

• aggressive
• compressive
• concessive
• depressive
• excessive
• expressive
• impressive
• obsessive
• oppressive
• possessive
• progressive
• recessive

Kids Definition

regressive

adjective

re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv 

1

: of, relating to, or tending toward regression

2

: gradually decreasing

a regressive tax

Medical Definition

regressive

adjective

re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv 

: relating to, resulting from, producing, or characterized by regression

regressive behavior

regressive tissue changes