retrogression
noun
ret·ro·gres·sion
ˌre-trə-ˈgre-shən 
2
: return to a former and less complex level of development or organization
Examples of retrogression in a Sentence
social instability that has led to a retrogression of moral values and standards of decent behavior
Recent Examples on the Web
In another 5-to-4 decision, Justice O’Connor wrote an opinion that would significantly alter the initial retrogression standard established in Beer v. United States.
—
Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Progressives de nos jours seem inordinately attached to retrogression.
—Kyle Smith, National Review, 8 June 2021
What explains the wide perception of racial retrogression at a time when surveys show that racial attitudes and behaviors have never been better?
—Jason L. Riley, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2021
For Fantom, his card showed nines of 40 and 39 for his 79, but his win wasn’t official until through retrogression, his score on the eighth handicap hole, was a stroke better better than that of Patterson Mill’s Brandon Palen, who also shot 79.
—Randy McRoberts, baltimoresun.com, 24 Oct. 2020
This duplicity is, as the museum called it, part of the American paradox: a museum that represents both stagnancy and change, advancement and retrogression, black America and the rest.
—Maya Phillips, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2019
Such were the devolutions and betrayals in those days, and retrogressions to the ways of shame.
—Lance Morrow, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2018
The plan will avoid retrogression in the position of racial minorities and language minorities as defined in the Voting Rights Act with respect to their effective exercise of the electoral franchise.
—Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, 14 June 2018
Nick Corasaniti, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023
Progressives de nos jours seem inordinately attached to retrogression.
—Kyle Smith, National Review, 8 June 2021
What explains the wide perception of racial retrogression at a time when surveys show that racial attitudes and behaviors have never been better?
—Jason L. Riley, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2021
For Fantom, his card showed nines of 40 and 39 for his 79, but his win wasn’t official until through retrogression, his score on the eighth handicap hole, was a stroke better better than that of Patterson Mill’s Brandon Palen, who also shot 79.
—Randy McRoberts, baltimoresun.com, 24 Oct. 2020
This duplicity is, as the museum called it, part of the American paradox: a museum that represents both stagnancy and change, advancement and retrogression, black America and the rest.
—Maya Phillips, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2019
Such were the devolutions and betrayals in those days, and retrogressions to the ways of shame.
—Lance Morrow, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2018
The plan will avoid retrogression in the position of racial minorities and language minorities as defined in the Voting Rights Act with respect to their effective exercise of the electoral franchise.
—Staff Report, Houston Chronicle, 14 June 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retrogression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near retrogression
Cite this Entry
“Retrogression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrogression. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
retrogression
noun
re·tro·gres·sion
-ˈgresh-ən
1
: movement backwards
2
: return to a previous and less complicated level of development or organization
Medical Definition
retrogression
noun
ret·ro·gres·sion
ˌre-trə-ˈgresh-ən
: a reversal in development or condition: as
a
: return to a former and less complex level of development or organization
b
: subsidence or decline of symptoms or manifestations of a disease
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