retrogressive

adjective

ret·​ro·​gres·​sive ˌre-trə-ˈgre-siv How to pronounce retrogressive (audio)
: 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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retrogressive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrogressive was in 1688

Dictionary Entries Near retrogressive

Cite this Entry

“Retrogressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrogressive. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

retrogressive

adjective
ret·​ro·​gres·​sive -ˈgres-iv How to pronounce retrogressive (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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