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

For example, harm reduction messaging must consider the potential negative impacts of new policies, such as black markets, regressive taxes and the stigma or negative consequences resulting from punitive measures. —Markus Lindblad, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Resistance to anti-science appointees to government positions to prevent the implementation of regressive public health measures. —Powel H. Kazanjian, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2025

Since its release, the film has been criticized by activists for its regressive depiction of the transgender community as well as Mexican culture. —Katherine Singh, refinery29.com, 3 Mar. 2025

Why does his treatment of these characters, specifically women, feel so regressive? —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 3 Mar. 2025

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