regression

noun

re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce regression (audio)
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 There should be some regression to the mean as the schedule lightens up. The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024 While both teams have improved offensively since then, a 23-point increase from their first matchup without any sort of regression on Detroit's end seems unlikely. BetMGM: Lions (-6.5) BetMGM's model predicts the Lions will win with 72.5 percent confidence. Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2024 Instead, this season has been a season of regression. Liam Canning, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Where density sample data was insufficient for interpolation, density values were derived from a regression equation based on the iron value of the block. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2024 Five takeaways from a new report on student academic performance The deep academic regression American students suffered during the pandemic has at last turned a corner, new data show, as scores in reading and math stopped falling last year and began to gain ground. Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2024 Services run from the more typical (deep-tissue massage; facials) to the slightly more woo-woo (hypnosis; reiki; past life regression). Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2024 Then came a massive regression on offense, a six-game losing streak and, eventually, the program’s first season without a bowl game (in a non-COVID year) since 2014. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2024 The regression of their defense throughout the season and the inconsistencies on offense have provided enough evidence of their shortcomings. Tim Booth, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'regression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regression was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near regression

Cite this Entry

“Regression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regression. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

regression

noun
re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce regression (audio)
: an act or the fact of regressing

Medical Definition

regression

noun
re·​gres·​sion ri-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce regression (audio)
: 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 childhoodHavelock Ellis

More from Merriam-Webster on regression

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