regressive
regressive Lexical Profile
regressive Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Returning to a former or less developed state; characterized by backward movement or decline rather than progress.
"Critics argued that the new policy was a regressive step for environmental protection."
Taking a proportionally greater amount from those on lower incomes than from those on higher incomes (used especially of a tax or economic levy).
"A flat sales tax on essential groceries is widely considered regressive because low-income households spend a larger share of their earnings on food."
Relating to a phonetic assimilation in which a speech sound is influenced by a following sound in a word or phrase.
"In linguistics, the change of the nasal consonant in 'impossible' is a classic example of regressive assimilation."
• Rhymes for regressive
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Latin verb 'regredi' (meaning 'to go back'), formed from the prefix 're-' ('back') and 'gradi' ('to step or walk'), plus the English suffix '-ive'.