# retroactive

/ˌɹɛtɹoʊˈæktɪv/ (US) · /ɹˌɛtɹəʊˈæktɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retroactive
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.