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

Lastly, the report raises valid concerns about the regressive nature of the property tax system but offers no practical or comprehensive solutions. —George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

The film premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and delves into the conflict between a visionary artist seeking a utopian future and those entrenched in a regressive status quo, driven by greed, special interests and partisan conflict. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 5 May 2025

But they are also viewed as regressive because low and middle income taxpayers spend a higher proportion of their income on taxable goods. —Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025

Whenever a regressive tax is imposed, those with the lowest incomes pay the most and face the most significant negative economic consequences. —Noreen Sugrue, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 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