regressive

1 of 2

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

regressivity

2 of 2

noun

re·​gres·​siv·​i·​ty ˌrēˌgreˈsivətē 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being regressive : tendency toward regression

Examples of regressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The country’s parents need comprehensive reform, not this kind of regressive, zero-sum nanny-statism. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026

The government says this amendment is about ensuring that benefits reach the right people, while LGBTQ+ rights activists call the law regressive. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

North Carolina offers a striking example of regressive taxation, ITEP reports. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Roosevelt’s record also revealed the limits of that promise; progressive promises could coexist with regressive burdens, legislative compromises, and disappointing results. — Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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