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

Moshfegh, who pairs regressive politics with a wild, provocative humor, is an obvious influence on Dimes Square novels. —Malavika Kannan, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026

But utility bill hikes are regressive expenses that impact lower-income and working-class residents the most. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026

This is clearly an attempt to refute the common—and correct—argument that tariffs are regressive, or disproportionately hurtful to lower-income people. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

And of course, tariffs are essentially a tax and a regressive tax, unlike income taxes that are less regressive. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026

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