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

The novel’s regressive strain will not surprise those who have tracked Adichie’s public missteps. —Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025

For all their naughtiness, Wattpad movies are largely tame and regressive, and Through My Window is no exception, so its carnal openness provides a slight counterpoint to its sexist tone. —Josh Bell, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2025

Maryland will be one of only three states to have such a regressive tax, and Maryland will have the dubious honor of having the highest rate in the nation. —David Brinkley, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2025

Economic barriers, restricted access to education, and regressive gender norms create additional hurdles. —Kath MacKay, Forbes, 11 Feb. 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