regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgre-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of regressing

2

: a trend or shift toward a lower or less perfect state: such as

a

: progressive decline of a manifestation of disease

b(1)

: gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging

(2)

: gradual loss of memories and acquired skills

c

: reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level

d

: a functional relationship between two or more correlated variables that is often empirically determined from data and is used especially to predict values of one variable when given values of the others

the regression of y on x is linear

specifically : a function that yields the mean value of a random variable under the condition that one or more independent variables have specified values

3

: retrograde motion

Synonyms

• reversion

Examples of regression in a Sentence

the regression to really childish behavior that boys often undergo when put in large groups

Recent Examples on the Web

After living under a state government often characterized by inaction, regression or outright hostility to such progressive values, California’s governance is a relative model of responsiveness and foresight. —Deandre Evans, Mercury News, 25 June 2025

Boyle has noted in numerous interviews, including this chat with Kermode and Mayo, that one of the things that fascinated him about the quarantine zone of 28 Years Later was the potential for a kind of cultural regression. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 23 June 2025

The Red Sox catcher has exceeded all expectations at the plate and his .353 batting average on balls in play suggests some regression is bound to happen. —Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025

His strikeout rate, walk rate, stuff, and projections all point to fairly massive regression. —Eno Sarris, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regression

• linear regression
• multiple regression

Rhymes for regression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən 

: an act or the fact of regressing

Medical Definition

regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən 

: a trend or shift toward a lower, less severe, or less perfect state: as

a

: progressive decline (as in size or severity) of a manifestation of disease

tumor regression following radiation

b(1)

: a gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging

menopausal regression of the ovaries

(2)

: gradual loss (as in old age) of memories and acquired skills

c

: reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level or to an earlier stage of psychosexual development in response to organismic stress or to suggestion

a protective regression towards childhood

—Havelock Ellis