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

Prosecutors in many places resisted retroactive application of the Court's decision in Miller v.

From Literature

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

From Literature

They also aim to avoid Johnson’s idea to borrow money for police settlements and a retroactive pay hike for firefighters, which they say could harm the city’s credit rating.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Salon

The union is approaching a full two years without a contract, so the timing and amount of retroactive pay would also need to be worked out.

From Los Angeles Times