Regressive

Meaning

Tending to harm the poor more than the rich, or to move backward; the opposite of progressive

Origin / Etymology

From Latin regressus, a return or going back, from regredi (to step back)

Synonyms

Retrogressive Backward Inequitable Disproportionate

Antonyms

Progressive Equitable Redistributive

Example Sentence

"A tariff that hits labour-intensive textiles is regressive in its human impact, falling hardest on low-income workers."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Precise for GS2 and GS3 answers on taxation, subsidies and trade. A regressive tax or measure takes a larger share from the poor than the rich, the opposite of a progressive one. Use to critique the distributional impact of a policy, for example indirect taxes or a blanket tariff.

Relevant Subjects