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Retroactive: meaning, definitions and examples

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retroactive

 

[ ˌrɛtrəˈæktɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

law

Taking effect from a date in the past rather than from the date of enactment or implementation.

Synonyms

backdated, backward-looking, retrospective

Examples of usage

  • The new tax law included a retroactive provision that affected previous year's tax returns.
  • The court ruled that the new regulation could not be applied retroactively.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Intended to apply or take effect at a date in the past.

Synonyms

backdated, backward-looking, retrospective

Examples of usage

  • The company implemented a retroactive pay increase for its employees.
  • The decision to increase the retirement age was made retroactively.

Translations

Translations of the word "retroactive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retroativo

🇮🇳 पूर्वव्यापी

🇩🇪 rückwirkend

🇮🇩 surut

🇺🇦 заднім числом

🇵🇱 retroaktywny

🇯🇵 遡及的

🇫🇷 rétroactif

🇪🇸 retroactivo

🇹🇷 geriye dönük

🇰🇷 소급 적용되는

🇸🇦 بأثر رجعي

🇨🇿 retroaktivní

🇸🇰 retroaktívny

🇨🇳 追溯的

🇸🇮 retroaktiven

🇮🇸 afturvirkur

🇰🇿 артқа әсер ететін

🇬🇪 უკანასკნელი

🇦🇿 geriyə təsir edən

🇲🇽 retroactivo

Word origin

The word 'retroactive' originated from the Latin word 'retroactus', which means 'driven back'. It first appeared in the early 17th century, referring to something that takes effect from a date in the past. The concept of retroactivity has been used in various fields such as law, economics, and technology to describe actions or decisions that are applied retrospectively. The idea of retroactive laws has been a topic of debate due to its potential implications on fairness and justice.

See also: retro, retrogress.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,454, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.