re·gres·sive
ri-ˈgre-siv
1
: tending to regress or produce regression
2
: being, characterized by, or developing in the course of an evolutionary process involving increasing simplification of bodily structure
3
: decreasing in rate as the base increases
a regressive tax
re·gres·siv·i·ty
ˌrēˌgreˈsivətē
plural -es
: the quality or state of being regressive : tendency toward regression
Cite this Entry
“Regressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regressive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.
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