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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The proposal for new investment accounts didn’t change the bill’s highly regressive nature. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 As the world’s largest economy turns inward and adopts beggar-thy-neighbor policies, other countries would respond in kind, adopting regressive protectionist policies, as happened during the Great Depression. Emily Kilcrease, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2025 Once the Doctor clocks in for work at UNIT (now the Unified National Insurance Team), the signs really start to become clear that this is the type of regressive world that Conrad would dream up. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 May 2025 The image, posted to her Instagram Wednesday, shows the singer being dragged across the floor by her hair—a choice some say promotes regressive gender stereotypes. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for regressive

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regressive was in 1634

Cite this Entry

“Regressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regressive. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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

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