retrogressive

adjective

ret·​ro·​gres·​sive ˌre-trə-ˈgre-siv 

: characterized by retrogression: such as

a

: going or directed backward

b

: declining from a better to a worse state

c

: passing from a higher to a lower level of organization

retrogressive evolution

retrogressively adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

They are committed to a retrogressive public policy. —Philip Elliott, Time, 25 Aug. 2021

Representation can help change this retrogressive thinking. —Elissa Strauss, CNN, 3 Dec. 2020

Those against Brexit portrayed it as historically retrogressive, taking the country out of the collective European project while imperiling access to the European marketplace — the destination for nearly half of the nation’s exports. —Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2019

But Tan appears to be responding to the retrogressive entrenchment of hard-line conservative values and intolerance in pockets of American life today. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

retrogressive

adjective

ret·​ro·​gres·​sive -ˈgres-iv 

: characterized by retrogression: as

a

: declining from a better to a worse state

a retrogressive disease

b

: passing from a higher to a lower level of organization

retrogressive evolution