regress

[ri-gres, ree-gres]

verb (used without object)

1. to move backward; go back.

   Synonyms: ebb, lapse, backslide, retreat, revert

2. to revert to an earlier or less advanced state or form.

noun

1. the act of going back; return.

2. the right to go back.

3. backward movement or course; retrogression.

regress

verb

1. (intr) to return or revert, as to a former place, condition, or mode of behaviour

2. (tr) statistics to measure the extent to which (a dependent variable) is associated with one or more independent variables

noun

1. the act of regressing

2. movement in a backward direction; retrogression

3. logic a supposed explanation each stage of which requires to be similarly explained, as saying that knowledge requires a justification in terms of propositions themselves known to be true

Other Word Forms

• regressor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of regress¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English regresse (noun), from Latin regressus “a return,” noun use of past participle of regredī “to go back, return,” from re- re- + -gredī, combining form of gradī “to step, walk, go”; gradient

Word History and Origins

Origin of regress¹

C14: from Latin regressus a retreat, from regredī to go back, from _re- + gradī to go

Example Sentences

Jones regressed and got benched—raising concerns that Belichick had mismanaged the young passer’s development.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To hear that word it feels like we've regressed and nothing's changed.

Read more on BBC

"I am doing everything I can as his parent to protect his wellbeing, and I cannot agree to a placement that I believe would put him or others at risk, or where he would regress."

Read more on BBC

If the U.S. regresses in friendlies with Ecuador and Australia next month, the angst and despair that have hovered over the team most of the year will return.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Rachel Slaughter said her son will only receive six months of therapy this year and fears he will "regress" as a result.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• degenerate 
• deteriorate 
• ebb 
• fall back 
• fall off 
• recede 
• revert