retroactive

American  

[re-troh-ak-tiv] / ˌrɛ troʊˈæk tɪv /

adjective

1. operative with respect to past occurrences, as a statute; retrospective.

   a retroactive law.

2. pertaining to a pay raise effective as of a past date.

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retroactive British  

/ ˌrɛtrəʊˈæktɪv /

adjective

1. applying or referring to the past

   retroactive legislation

2. effective or operative from a date or for a period in the past

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Other Word Forms

• nonretroactive adjective
• nonretroactivity noun
• retroactively adverb
• retroactiveness noun
• retroactivity noun
• unretroactive adjective

Etymology

Origin of retroactive

First recorded in 1605–15; retro- + active

Example Sentences

The state was the first in the nation to pass legislation allowing such retroactive cancellations.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, “immediate implications of tariff reversal are likely to result in retroactive refunds, not future price relief.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

The law also extended the time for filing itemized claims to at least 100 days, up from just two months, but it was not retroactive.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Attorney David Lesperance says he has helped four wealthy clients to leave California already, anticipating the tax could be retroactive to Dec. 31, 2025.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

“That suit is so beautiful. It’s so retroactive. It’s so retroactive that it’s radioactive!”

From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie