regressive

adjective

re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
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 noun

Examples of regressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Vote no on Alameda Measure E Measure E is a regressive, exorbitant tax on some homeowners of an astounding almost $2,000 a year. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 Democrats viewed that approach as regressive, putting a disproportionate burden on low-income residents. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 To those rightfully unsettled by Keith’s thirst for blood, that song — and Toby Keith himself — became a symbol of all that’s wrong with Nashville, an easy shorthand for the most reactionary and regressive tendencies of country music. Nadine Smith, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024 Beshear was critical of the GOP's plan Thursday, calling it regressive and missing key funding components. Rebecca Grapevine, The Courier-Journal, 21 Jan. 2024 To love rude, regressive humor is to know there’s a danger in reducing it to a crude competitive sport or, worse, a declaration of intent. Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2023 But these have long been considered by some to be regressive, including by many more secular figures. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 15 Feb. 2024 Speaking in front of City Hall, Sacramento attorney Tiffany Clark urged constituents to consider how the ballot initiative would affect small businesses through its regressive structure. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2024 All this nickel-and-diming contributes to making the Bay Area a horribly expensive place to live; especially for people of modest means, who must pay the greatest percentage of their income in these regressive taxes and fees. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'regressive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regressive was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near regressive

Cite this Entry

“Regressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regressive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

regressive

adjective
re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or tending toward regression
2
: gradually decreasing
a regressive tax

Medical Definition

regressive

adjective
re·​gres·​sive ri-ˈgres-iv How to pronounce regressive (audio)
: relating to, resulting from, producing, or characterized by regression
regressive behavior
regressive tissue changes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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