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retrogressive

[ re-truh-gres-iv ]

/ ˌrɛ trəˈgrɛs ɪv /

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adjective

characterized by retrogression; degenerating.

OTHER WORDS FOR retrogressive

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OPPOSITES FOR retrogressive

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Origin of retrogressive

1795–1805; <Latin retrōgress(us) (see retrogress) + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM retrogressive

ret·ro·gres·sive·ly, adverbun·ret·ro·gres·sive, adjectiveun·ret·ro·gres·sive·ly, adverb

Words nearby retrogressive

retrograde, retrograde amnesia, retrograde ejaculation, retrogress, retrogression, retrogressive, retroject, retrolental, retrolental fibroplasia, retrolingual, retromingent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use retrogressive in a sentence

True, retrogressive forms occasionally occur in this as well as in most other sorts of myth and of literary composition.
Elements of Folk Psychology|Wilhelm Wundt
On the other hand, however, we also discern certain tendencies of a retrogressive nature.
Elements of Folk Psychology|Wilhelm Wundt
On the contrary, the tendency of the saint legend is retrogressive, namely, toward a return to the mrchen stage of myth.
Elements of Folk Psychology|Wilhelm Wundt
They sat on the floor and imbibed germs, and they did all sorts of unscientific, retrogressive things.
The Incubator Baby|Ellis Parker Butler

On this junction being effected retrogressive changes take place in the original subintestinal vessel.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour