retrogression

noun

ret·​ro·​gres·​sion ˌre-trə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce retrogression (audio)
1
2
: return to a former and less complex level of development or organization

Examples of retrogression in a Sentence

social instability that has led to a retrogression of moral values and standards of decent behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In another 5-to-4 decision, Justice O’Connor wrote an opinion that would significantly alter the initial retrogression standard established in Beer v. United States. Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023 Progressives de nos jours seem inordinately attached to retrogression. Kyle Smith, National Review, 8 June 2021 What explains the wide perception of racial retrogression at a time when surveys show that racial attitudes and behaviors have never been better? Jason L. Riley, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2021 For Fantom, his card showed nines of 40 and 39 for his 79, but his win wasn’t official until through retrogression, his score on the eighth handicap hole, was a stroke better better than that of Patterson Mill’s Brandon Palen, who also shot 79. Randy McRoberts, baltimoresun.com, 24 Oct. 2020 This duplicity is, as the museum called it, part of the American paradox: a museum that represents both stagnancy and change, advancement and retrogression, black America and the rest. Maya Phillips, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2019 Such were the devolutions and betrayals in those days, and retrogressions to the ways of shame. Lance Morrow, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2018 The plan will avoid retrogression in the position of racial minorities and language minorities as defined in the Voting Rights Act with respect to their effective exercise of the electoral franchise. Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, 14 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrogression was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near retrogression

Cite this Entry

“Retrogression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrogression. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

retrogression

noun
re·​tro·​gres·​sion
-ˈgresh-ən
1
: movement backwards
2
: return to a previous and less complicated level of development or organization

Medical Definition

retrogression

noun
ret·​ro·​gres·​sion ˌre-trə-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce retrogression (audio)
: a reversal in development or condition: as
a
: return to a former and less complex level of development or organization
b
: subsidence or decline of symptoms or manifestations of a disease
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!