Retrogressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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Accepted Answer

Word	Description / Examples
retrogressive	Suitable when describing a process or development that is moving backward, often in a negative way, implying a decline or a return to a less advanced state. The company's retrogressive policies are leading to a decline in employee morale The economic measures were seen as retrogressive, pushing the nation back to poorer times
regressive	Applicable when referring to actions or policies that lead to a less advanced state, especially in terms of social, economic, or political progress. Often used in discussions about taxation, policies, or societal trends. The new tax policy is regressive, putting more burden on the lower-income groups The government's stance on education seems regressive, reducing access to quality learning
backward	Used to describe something that is moving in the opposite direction of progress or development. Can have a negative connotation when referring to people or societies, implying a lack of advancement. Some rural areas are still quite backward in terms of technology He stumbled backward when he got startled
reverting	Best used when referring to returning to an earlier state or condition, often neutral but can imply a return to a less desirable state depending on context. After the crisis, the country started reverting to its old governance style He was reverting to his old habits after months of progress

Definition