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
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
Other veteran leaders such as Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider have had years of striking regression and both have been mentioned in trade rumors.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Even with the regression, Salter was in high demand.
—Antonio Morales, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
That financial reality – coupled with the severe regression of the running game and the mysterious disappearance of the explosive plays that were the hallmark of this Dolphins offense - have left this rebuild at a worrisome crossroads.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Two years of regression before age 30 certainly invites some skepticism.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for regression 
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Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Even with the regression, Salter was in high demand.
—Antonio Morales, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
That financial reality – coupled with the severe regression of the running game and the mysterious disappearance of the explosive plays that were the hallmark of this Dolphins offense - have left this rebuild at a worrisome crossroads.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Two years of regression before age 30 certainly invites some skepticism.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for regression
Dictionary Entries Near regression
Cite this Entry
“Regression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regression. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Havelock EllisLove words? Need even more definitions?
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