regressive

[ ri-gres-iv ]
/ rɪˈgrɛs ɪv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR regressive ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

regressing or tending to regress; retrogressive.
Biology. of, relating to, or effecting regression.
(of tax) decreasing proportionately with an increase in the tax base.
Logic. obtained from or characterized by backward reasoning.

Origin of regressive

First recorded in 1625–35; regress + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM regressive

Words nearby regressive

regrate, regreet, regress, regression, regression analysis, regressive, regressive assimilation, regressive staining, regressive tax, regret, regretful

Words related to regressive

rightist, rigid, counterrevolutionary, right, obscurantist, Tory, rearward, back, receding, converse, inverted, everted, turned, die-hard, orthodox, traditional, retrogressive, traditionalistic, old-line, standpat

Example sentences from the Web for regressive

British Dictionary definitions for regressive

regressive
/ (rɪˈɡrɛsɪv) /

adjective

regressing or tending to regress
(of a tax or tax system) levied or graduated so that the rate decreases as the amount taxed increases See progressive (def. 5)
of, relating to, or characteristic of regression

Derived forms of regressive

regressively, adverb regressiveness, noun

Medical definitions for regressive

regressive
[ rĭ-grĕs′ĭv ]

adj.

Having a tendency to return or to revert.
Characterized by regression.

Other words from regressive

re•gres′sive•ness n.