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

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

Its efforts include a proposed ballot measure that would bar retroactive taxes, as well as banning new taxes on personal property, including retirement savings, stocks, bonds and intellectual property.

From The Wall Street Journal

Given the repeated warnings states have received about this issue, one might ask why CMS hasn’t insisted on enforcing the new restrictions retroactive to the enactment of the Big Beautiful Bill in July.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Hong Kong authorities say that the national security law has no retroactive effect.

From Barron's