regressive
adjective
re·gres·sive
ri-ˈgre-siv 
1
: tending to regress or produce regression
2
: being, characterized by, or developing in the course of an evolutionary process involving increasing simplification of bodily structure
3
: decreasing in rate as the base increases
a regressive tax
Examples of regressive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lastly, the report raises valid concerns about the regressive nature of the property tax system but offers no practical or comprehensive solutions.
—
George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
The film premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and delves into the conflict between a visionary artist seeking a utopian future and those entrenched in a regressive status quo, driven by greed, special interests and partisan conflict.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 5 May 2025
But they are also viewed as regressive because low and middle income taxpayers spend a higher proportion of their income on taxable goods.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Whenever a regressive tax is imposed, those with the lowest incomes pay the most and face the most significant negative economic consequences.
—Noreen Sugrue, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regressive
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George Cardenas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
The film premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and delves into the conflict between a visionary artist seeking a utopian future and those entrenched in a regressive status quo, driven by greed, special interests and partisan conflict.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 5 May 2025
But they are also viewed as regressive because low and middle income taxpayers spend a higher proportion of their income on taxable goods.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Whenever a regressive tax is imposed, those with the lowest incomes pay the most and face the most significant negative economic consequences.
—Noreen Sugrue, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regressive
Cite this Entry
“Regressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regressive. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
regressive
adjective
re·gres·sive
ri-ˈgres-iv
1
: of, relating to, or tending toward regression
2
: gradually decreasing
a regressive tax
Medical Definition
regressive
adjective
re·gres·sive
ri-ˈgres-iv
: relating to, resulting from, producing, or characterized by regression
regressive behavior
regressive tissue changes
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