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

This approach can be thought of as predicting polling averages using regression models with various political and demographic variables. —G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 11 June 2024

The regression in Omaha could be non-existent if transfers Pop Isaacs (Texas Tech) and Jamiya Neal (Arizona State) contribute consistently. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 10 June 2024

This election is not just a contest between left and right, but a choice between the survival of a young democracy and a regression to dominant-party rule. —Denise Dresser, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2024

Regrettably, the 1990s witnessed a regression to more confrontational police tactics and subsequent violent unrest following the beating of Rodney King and the killings of Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, and others. —Chad M. Topaz, New York Daily News, 16 May 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