WordGarden.ioregressive
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪɡrˈɛsɪv/
US
- /rəˈɡrɛsɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
opposed to social or political progress, or pushing things back toward older norms
moving back to a less advanced, less developed, or less desirable state
in taxation or public finance, taking a larger share from lower incomes than from higher ones
More meaningsFewer meanings
in psychology or development, reverting to earlier patterns of behavior or functioning
Beyond the definition
Something regressive moves backward instead of forward, like an old habit you thought you had left behind suddenly coming back. It can describe a change that undoes progress or behavior that seems too childish for someone's age. For instance, an adult throwing a tantrum may be showing regressive behavior because they are acting much younger than they are.
The word also appears often in economics and politics. A regressive tax system takes a larger share of income from lower earners, which many people see as unfair. In the same way, you might describe a politician's views as regressive if they support outdated ideas that slow social progress or take things back to an earlier way of thinking.
The word "regressive" describes something that moves backward, deteriorates, or returns to a previous, often less developed, state. It suggests a loss of progress or an unwelcome return to older patterns. This can apply in many different contexts, from personal behavior to political policies and economic systems.
In psychology, regressive behavior refers to returning to childlike actions as a coping mechanism during times of stress. A grown adult throwing a temper tantrum might be described as exhibiting regressive tendencies, essentially retreating to an earlier stage of development to cope with modern pressures.
Politically and economically, "regressive" often carries negative connotations. A regressive tax is one in which lower earners pay a larger proportion of their income than higher earners. This is often criticized as harmful to social fairness. Similarly, regressive policies are those that undo progress made in areas like civil rights or environmental protection, effectively taking society backward.
The term can also describe something that is simply outdated or behind the times. To say "his views on gender roles were decidedly regressive" suggests his beliefs are old-fashioned and do not align with modern values. Ultimately, whether it is a personal habit or a national policy, "regressive" signals a movement away from advancement and toward a less desirable, less developed state.
Examples
- 1
Tax policy
Many economists call sales taxes regressive because low-income families spend a larger share of their income on basic goods.
- 2
Workplace rules
Critics described the new dress code as regressive and out of touch with modern workplaces.
- 3
Public education
Cutting support for public schools would be a regressive step, especially in poorer areas.
- 4
Child development
Under stress, some children show regressive behavior, such as wanting a bottle again or speaking like a much younger child.
- Phraseregressive behavior
behavior that seems less mature than before
See also
Similar
- backward
- retrograde
- retrogressive
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- progressive
- forward-looking
Used with (collocations)
- regressive policy
- regressive attitudes
- regressive tendencies
- regressive behavior
Word family
Explore
- social progress
- reversion
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- regressiveadjective