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

Importers typically pass those costs to consumers, making the policy function more like a regressive tax than a dividend. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

Carol is repulsed by how regressive this sounds and nearly loses her temper for an alien-shaking third time in the episode. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025

The announcement of a resumption of nuclear tests is a regressive and irresponsible move and a serious threat to international peace and security. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

Nick and Annie found that they were aligned on some especially regressive beliefs. —Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 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