regression

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   A step back to an earlier, simpler or worse condition or way of behaving, after having moved forward.

   Grammar: Uncountable for the general idea (regression is common after stress) and countable for an instance (a regression in his reading skills).

   Patterns

   • regression to something
   • a regression in something

   The toddler showed regression after the move, asking to be carried again.

   Critics warned that the new law would mean regression on workers' rights.

   Many software teams run tests to catch regression after each update.

2. 2noununcountabletechnicalmathematics

   A statistical method for describing how one measured quantity changes as others change, used to predict outcomes.

   Grammar: Often a modifier with a type: linear regression, or as 'a regression' for one analysis.

   Patterns

   • regression of something on something
   • run a regression

   The economist ran a regression to see how income affects spending.

   A simple linear regression showed a strong trend between study time and scores.

   The paper's regression model controlled for age and location.

3. 3noununcountabletechnical

   In psychology, a return to behavior typical of an earlier stage of life, often as a response to stress.

   Grammar: Used mostly in therapy or psychology contexts without an article.

   Patterns

   • regression to childhood

   Therapists saw her sudden clinginess as a sign of regression.

   Stress can cause regression in young children who were already toilet trained.

   Age regression is a term some counselors use for childlike behavior in adults.

Word forms

Common combinations

linear regression

We used linear regression to forecast sales.

regression analysis

Regression analysis revealed a link between sleep and grades.

signs of regression

The nurse watched for signs of regression in the patient.

a regression test

The team ran a regression test before releasing the update.

cause regression

Hospital stays can cause regression in older adults.

Synonyms and how they differ

relapse

Relapse is mainly used for a return to illness or bad habits, while regression is broader and includes behavior and skills.

decline

Decline suggests a gradual drop in quality or quantity, whereas regression suggests moving back toward an earlier state.

reversion

Reversion stresses returning to a former state or type, and sounds more formal than regression.

backsliding

Backsliding is informal and implies moral or promised progress is being lost.

Opposites

Word family

regress verb

to return to an earlier or worse state

regressive adjective

tending to go back, or unfair in effect

regressively adverb

in a way that moves backward

progression noun

movement forward, the opposite direction

Commonly confused: regression or digression? regression or progression?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “regression”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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