English Reference
Adverb

retroactively

adv.
C1 Advanced US /ˌɹɛtɹoʊˈæktɪvɫi/ UK /ɹˌɛtɹəʊˈæktɪvli/ retroac·tive·ly

adv.to apply a rule or change to a situation that already happened in the past. You use this when a new law or decision affects things that happened before it was made.

adv.to apply a law, rule, or decision to events or situations that occurred in the past. Often implies a change in status or legal standing that is effective from a date prior to the current one.


SIMPLE

The new tax law applies retroactively to last year's income.

CONTEXTUAL

The court ruled that the contract was invalid from the start, applying the decision retroactively to the original signing date.

COMPLEX

While the amendment was passed in the current fiscal year, its retroactive application means that all previous filings must be adjusted to reflect the new standards.

Supporters say the prosecution heavily relied on his advocacy before the national security law was enacted and argue his case has been applied retroactively.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

The outposts are later expanded and frequently retroactively approved as official settlements.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated