# retrospective

/ˌɹɛtɹəˈspɛktɪv/ (US) · /ɹˌɛtɹəʊspˈɛktɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/retrospective
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. looking back at the past

adjective · CEFR B2

looking back at things that happened in the past.

For teachers: contemplating or relating to past events or situations.

- The company gave a retrospective report on its successes over the last decade.
- The documentary provides a retrospective look at the political climate of the 1990s, offering insights that were not apparent at the time.

### 2. applying to the past

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

starting to have an effect from a date in the past.

For teachers: applying to or taking effect from a date in the past; often used in legal or financial contexts.

- The new law will not be retrospective, so it only affects future cases.
- The board approved a retrospective pay rise, meaning employees would receive back-dated compensation for the previous six months.

Usage: Often used to describe legislation or financial adjustments.

### 3. art exhibition

noun · CEFR B2

a large exhibition that shows the work an artist has created over many years.

For teachers: a comprehensive exhibition or compilation of an artist's or performer's work throughout their career.

- We went to the museum to see the new retrospective of Picasso's paintings.
- The gallery is hosting a major retrospective of the photographer's work, spanning from her early street photography to her final portraits.

## Examples

- The museum is hosting a retrospective of the painter's career.
- After the software launch, the developers held a retrospective to discuss how they could improve their workflow for the next sprint.
- The gallery's mid-career retrospective offers a comprehensive look at how the photographer's style shifted from stark black-and-white realism to more abstract, digitally manipulated compositions over three decades.

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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.