Definition of regressive
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
adverbregressiveness
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of regressive from the Web
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That fee amounts to a regressive tax on lower-income families.
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The call for shutting down a popular, internationally recognised news network for political reasons is a regressive move on many counts.
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After passing a health-care bill built around a regressive tax cut, Republicans plan to proceed quickly to a second tax cut, which is expected to also benefit the rich disproportionately.
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Some Marylanders, particularly in Prince George’s County, also have reservations about the idea, arguing that the regressive nature of the sales tax more acutely affects lower-income residents.
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All told, Trump's laziness and his regressive policies are working in concert to put Americans in greater danger.
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But the text of the no-longer-secret Senate bill provides ample proof that, as many critics including myself have noted, Republicans’ Obamacare repeal effort is actually a regressive tax cut plan disguised as health care legislation.
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Will's portrayal has gone on to be the blueprint for most gay men on television since then, whereas Jack is somehow seen as negative, and regressive.
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That decision too, which has not yet been formalized, has triggered criticism in the media and amongst members of May's party, who have described the DUP as anti-abortionist and regressive on LGBTI rights.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'regressive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of regressive
1634
Other Psychology Terms
Medical Dictionary
regressive
playMedical Definition of regressive
: relating to, resulting from, producing, or characterized by regression regressive behavior regressive tissue changes
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See words that rhyme with regressive Spanish Central: Translation of regressive Nglish: Translation of regressive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of regressive for Arabic speakers
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