What does "regression" mean?

1. (returning to a previous state) the act of returning to a previous or less advanced state. 2. (statistical relationship) a mathematical way to see how one thing affects another. 3. (software bug returning) when a computer problem that was fixed before happens again after a new update. 4. (shrinking of a growth) the process of a tumor or a disease getting smaller or less serious. 5. (psychological return to childhood) behaving like a younger person or a child, often because of stress.

regression

US //ɹəˈɡɹɛʃən// UK //ɹɪɡɹˈɛʃən// re·gres·sion

1 returning to a previous state (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of returning to a previous or less advanced state.

the process of returning to a former or less developed state, often implying a decline in quality or complexity.

Example

The country saw a regression in democratic values after the new laws were passed.

Example

Sociologists noted a significant regression in social mobility within the region following the collapse of the local manufacturing industry.
- reversion
- decline
- backsliding
- progression
- advancement
2 statistical relationship (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Academic Math

a mathematical way to see how one thing affects another.

a statistical method for estimating the relationships among variables, typically to determine how a dependent variable changes when independent variables vary.

Example

The researcher used a linear regression to predict house prices based on their size.

Example

By performing a multiple regression analysis, the economists were able to isolate the impact of interest rates on consumer spending patterns.
- correlation
- analysis

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3 software bug returning (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

when a computer problem that was fixed before happens again after a new update.

the reappearance of a previously resolved functional defect following a code change or software update.

Example

The latest update caused a regression that broke the login screen.

Example

The development team implemented automated regression testing to ensure that new features did not inadvertently compromise existing system stability.
- relapse
- software bug
4 shrinking of a growth (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Medicine

the process of a tumor or a disease getting smaller or less serious.

the lessening or disappearance of the symptoms or physical size of a disease, particularly a tumor.

Example

The doctors were pleased to see a regression of the tumor after the first round of treatment.

Example

Spontaneous regression of this particular type of carcinoma is rare, making the patient's recovery a subject of significant clinical interest.
- remission
- shrinkage
- growth
- progression
5 psychological return to childhood (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Academic

behaving like a younger person or a child, often because of stress.

a defense mechanism leading to the temporary or long-term reversion of the ego to an earlier stage of development.

Example

Under extreme pressure, some people show signs of emotional regression.

Example

The therapist identified the patient's sudden outbursts as a form of psychological regression triggered by childhood trauma.
- infantilism

Origin

Learned borrowing from Latin regressio. Equivalent to regress + -ion. The statistics sense comes from regression to the mean.