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 gambit could feel regressive in a less assured film and in the hands of a lesser actor, especially when the plot leads Stan’s character, Edward, to a miracle cure. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024

For consumers, trade groups such as the Retail Industry Leaders Association have noted that tariffs are regressive and result in a tax on consumers through price increases. —Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 3 Dec. 2024

Such flat taxes are considered regressive by many experts because low- and middle-income taxpayers would end up paying a larger share of their incomes than would wealthy Americans. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2024

The revenue generated from tariffs, though potentially substantial, is paid indirectly and generated from the functional equivalent of a regressive tax on consumers. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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