regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgre-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of regressing

2

: a trend or shift toward a lower or less perfect state: such as

a

: progressive decline of a manifestation of disease

b(1)

: gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging

(2)

: gradual loss of memories and acquired skills

c

: reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level

d

: a functional relationship between two or more correlated variables that is often empirically determined from data and is used especially to predict values of one variable when given values of the others

the regression of y on x is linear

specifically : a function that yields the mean value of a random variable under the condition that one or more independent variables have specified values

3

: retrograde motion

Synonyms

• retrogression
• reversion

Examples of regression in a Sentence

the regression to really childish behavior that boys often undergo when put in large groups

Recent Examples on the Web

The Rangers are banking on a healthy Jung, a more experienced Wyatt Langford and the additions of Jake Burger and Joc Pederson to pad their lineup and protect against any regression from other players. —The Athletic Mlb Staff, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Regardless, Gourde would have likely fetched something for Seattle general manager Ron Francis because his pedigree is valued once spring-time roles around regardless of age and stat regression. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Shoot days for the sector were down by 45.7% for the fourth quarter — its ninth consecutive quarterly regression — finishing the year down by nearly 46%, which is more than 43.1% below its five-year category average. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025

Since the onus for past lives research is on spontaneous recollections, the team are largely unconvinced by the concept of hypnotic regression. —Saskia Solomon, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regression

• linear regression
• multiple regression

Kids Definition

regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən 

: an act or the fact of regressing

Medical Definition

regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən 

: a trend or shift toward a lower, less severe, or less perfect state: as

a

: progressive decline (as in size or severity) of a manifestation of disease

tumor regression following radiation

b(1)

: a gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging

menopausal regression of the ovaries

(2)

: gradual loss (as in old age) of memories and acquired skills

c

: reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level or to an earlier stage of psychosexual development in response to organismic stress or to suggestion

a protective regression towards childhood

—Havelock Ellis