regressive

/ri'gresiv/

Thân thiện

A regressive tax system places a higher burden on low-income earners.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Opposing progress; returning to a former, less advanced state: Describes something that moves backward or reverts to a simpler, earlier, or less developed condition.
   • (Of taxes) Adjusted so that the rate decreases as the amount of income increases: Describes a tax system where the tax rate falls as the taxable amount (like income) rises, placing a proportionally higher burden on lower-income earners.

Usage Examples

• Opposing progress:
  • The new policies were seen as regressive, undoing decades of social reform.
  • His regressive views on education are out of step with modern thinking.
• Tax system:
  • A sales tax is often considered a regressive form of taxation.
  • The proposed flat tax was criticized for being regressive and unfair to the poor.

Advanced Usage

• "Regressive behavior": In psychology, behavior that reverts to an earlier stage of development, often under stress.
  • The child exhibited regressive behavior, such as bedwetting, after the traumatic event.
• "Regressive evolution": In biology, the evolutionary loss of complex features, leading to a simpler form.
  • Some cave-dwelling animals show regressive evolution, losing their eyesight over generations.

Variants and Related Words

• Regress (verb): To return to a former or less developed state.
  • The patient's condition began to regress after stopping treatment.
• Regression (noun): The act of regressing; a return to a previous state.
  • The economic crisis caused a regression to more protectionist policies.
• Regressively (adverb): In a regressive manner.
  • The tax is structured regressively, affecting the poor most.

Synonyms

• Backward: Directed behind or toward the rear; retrograde.
• Retrograde: Moving backward; reverting to an earlier and worse condition.
• Reactionary: Opposing political or social progress or reform.

Antonyms

• Progressive: Favoring or implementing social reform or new, advanced ideas.
• Forward-looking: Concerned with or planning for the future.

Related Phrases

• Regressive tax: A tax that takes a larger percentage of income from low-income groups than from high-income groups.
  • Critics argue that increasing the sales tax is effectively implementing a regressive tax.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. opposing progress; returning to a former less advanced state
2. (of taxes) adjusted so that the rate decreases as the amount of income increases