Retroactive: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this in legal or policy contexts when referring to something that affects past events or actions. The term is often used with laws or adjustments that apply to a previous period.

• The new tax laws are retroactive to January 1st.
• Employees received a retroactive pay increase that included back pay for the last three months.

Commonly used in arts and reviews, it refers to looking back and evaluating past events, usually in a reflective manner rather than affecting past actions. It is often positive or neutral.

• The museum held a retrospective exhibition of the artist's work.
• Her memoirs provided a retrospective look at her long career.

This is used when talking about assigning a past date to a document or payment. It often has a negative connotation when done improperly but can be acceptable if legal and authorized.

• The insurance policy was backdated to cover the accident.
• He backdated the check to make it appear as though it was issued earlier.

This is typically used in a critical sense to describe someone or something that is focused on the past rather than the future. It implies a lack of progress or innovation.

• His backward-looking attitude hindered the company's growth.
• The report was criticized for being backward-looking and not offering new solutions.

See previous entry for 'retroactive'. Same word, same context.

Used primarily in administrative and financial contexts to describe something that has been given an earlier date than the current date, such as a document or a payment.

• The contract was backdated to cover the work done last month
• She received a backdated check for her previous efforts

Typically used to describe looking back over past events or experiences, often in a reflective or analytical manner. Common in artistic and professional reviews.

• The museum held a retrospective of the artist's work
• In a retrospective meeting, we discussed our successes and failures

Often used to describe an approach, attitude, or perspective that focuses on the past rather than looking forward. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a reluctance to progress.

• His backward-looking policies are hindering our progress
• The company has a backward-looking attitude towards innovation