Word
retroactive
Phoneticsretroac·tive
US/ˌɹɛtɹoʊˈæktɪv/
UK/ɹˌɛtɹəʊˈæktɪv/
Definition
adj. relating to something that applies to a time in the past. You use this when a new rule or law starts working from a date that is already over.
adj. relating to or affecting a past period of time. Often describes legal or administrative changes that are applied to events or periods that have already occurred.
Examples
“The new tax law is retroactive and applies to last year.”
“The company decided to offer a retroactive bonus to all employees who had worked there for more than five years.”
“The court ruled that the new safety regulations were retroactive, meaning that all previous violations of the old standards were now subject to the higher penalties of the current law.”
Examples
simple
“The new tax law is retroactive and applies to last year.”
contextual
“The company decided to offer a retroactive bonus to all employees who had worked there for more than five years.”
complex
“The court ruled that the new safety regulations were retroactive, meaning that all previous violations of the old standards were now subject to the higher penalties of the current law.”
Real-World Examples
“Beijing’s representatives had tried to insert language into a mooted deal that would ensure no retroactive punishment for past experiments.” “Come January, Medicaid coverage will be winnowed down from three months of retroactive coverage to two months – or one depending on the applicant and the state.” Etymology
First attested in 1610. From French rétroactif, equivalent to retro- + active.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/retroactive