regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgre-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of regressing

2

: a trend or shift toward a lower or less perfect state: such as

a

: progressive decline of a manifestation of disease

b(1)

: gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging

(2)

: gradual loss of memories and acquired skills

c

: reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level

d

: a functional relationship between two or more correlated variables that is often empirically determined from data and is used especially to predict values of one variable when given values of the others

the regression of y on x is linear

specifically : a function that yields the mean value of a random variable under the condition that one or more independent variables have specified values

3

: retrograde motion

Synonyms

• retrogression
• reversion

Examples of regression in a Sentence

the regression to really childish behavior that boys often undergo when put in large groups

Recent Examples on the Web

Most videos are 10 minutes or shorter, and are searchable by topic (sleep regressions, divorce, new sibling), age groups, or experts. —Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024

The 2024 data shows progress in some areas — such as at the position coach level, where non-white coaches now hold nearly half of the roles — but regression in others, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. —Tom Schad, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024

Three former Ravens teams have endured similar regressions. —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2024

The list of reasons for Miller’s regression had grown almost too long to count. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing regression

• linear regression
• multiple regression

Kids Definition

regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən 

: an act or the fact of regressing

Medical Definition

regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən 

: a trend or shift toward a lower, less severe, or less perfect state: as

a

: progressive decline (as in size or severity) of a manifestation of disease

tumor regression following radiation

b(1)

: a gradual loss of differentiation and function by a body part especially as a physiological change accompanying aging

menopausal regression of the ovaries

(2)

: gradual loss (as in old age) of memories and acquired skills

c

: reversion to an earlier mental or behavioral level or to an earlier stage of psychosexual development in response to organismic stress or to suggestion

a protective regression towards childhood

—Havelock Ellis