Word
retroactively
Phoneticsretroac·tive·ly
US/ˌɹɛtɹoʊˈæktɪvɫi/
UK/ɹˌɛtɹəʊˈæktɪvli/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The new tax law applies retroactively to last year's income.”
“The court ruled that the contract was invalid from the start, applying the decision retroactively to the original signing date.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“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 outposts are later expanded and frequently retroactively approved as official settlements.” Word family
NOUN
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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