Retrogress: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe moving backward to an earlier, often worse, condition or state. Commonly used in formal or academic contexts.

• The country began to retrogress into political instability
• Progress in technology can stall and even retrogress if not properly maintained

Used similarly to 'retrogress', but can apply more broadly, including emotional or developmental setbacks. Commonly used in psychological or developmental discussions.

• Without continuous support, the patient might regress to a less stable state
• Children may regress in their behavior when they experience significant stress

Often used in a moral or behavioral context, indicating someone returning to bad habits or negative behavior after making progress. Has a slightly negative connotation.

• After months of sobriety, he started to backslide into old drinking habits
• The student began to backslide in his studies after losing focus

Indicates returning to a previous state, condition, or behavior. Typically used in everyday language and can have both neutral and negative connotations depending on the context.

• The system will revert to its default settings after the update
• He reverted to his old habits after the initial enthusiasm wore off