retrogression

[ re-truh-gresh-uh n ]

/ ˌrɛ trəˈgrɛʃ ən /

the act of retrogressing; movement backward.

Biology. degeneration; retrograde metamorphosis; passing from a more complex to a simpler structure.

Origin of retrogression

1640–50; < Latin retrōgress(us) (see retrogress) + -ion

The organization of labor is one of the chief acknowledged factors in the retrogression of British trade.

War of the Classes |Jack London
It was then the old, old story of retrogression through alcohol.

The Lumberjack Sky Pilot |Thomas D. Whittles
Yet it may be wrong to regard this period as one of stagnation or retrogression.

The Dominion of the Air |J. M. Bacon
However, a freezer can be converted to a retrogression gun, and that's illegal.

Forget Me Nearly |Floyd L. Wallace

Dramatically the piece is somewhat of a retrogression, but it is interesting from the characters introduced in pastoral guise.

Pastoral Poetry and Pastoral Drama |Walter W. Greg

retrogression

[ rĕt′rə-grĕsh′ən ]

The act or process of deteriorating or declining.

A return to a less complex biological state or stage.