regressive

adjective
UK: /rɪˈɡresɪv/
US: /rɪˈɡresɪv/

  1. Becoming less advanced; returning to a previous or less developed state.

    1. His behavior became regressive when he was tired.
    2. The country's policies are regressive, hindering progress and innovation.

  2. Relating to or characterized by regression; moving backward or declining.

    1. The artist's later works showed a regressive style.
    2. Some see the new laws as a regressive step for civil liberties in society.

  3. Relating to a tax system where lower-income earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes.

    1. The sales tax is regressive because poor people pay more.
    2. Economists argue about how regressive property taxes are for the local economy.

Synonyms

retrogressive declining

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "regressive" in English means: Becoming less advanced; returning to a previous or less developed state., Relating to or characterized by regression; moving backward or declining., Relating to a tax system where lower-income earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes..

The phonetic transcription of "regressive" is /rɪˈɡresɪv/ in British English and /rɪˈɡresɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "regressive": retrogressive, declining.

Example usage of "regressive": "His behavior became regressive when he was tired.". More examples on the page.