noun
Uncommon
regression
rih-GREHSH-uhn
Regression (noun) means a return to an earlier, usually less developed or less desirable, state. Example: “Therapists sometimes see regression in patients under extreme stress.”
noun
1
A return to an earlier, usually less developed or less desirable, state.
"Therapists sometimes see regression in patients under extreme stress."
2
A statistical method used to measure how one variable relates to, or can predict, another.
"She ran a regression to see how advertising spend affected sales."
3
The reappearance of a software bug that had previously been fixed.
"The update introduced a regression in the login screen."
How to use regression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFalling back to an earlier state — used in psychology, statistics, and software testing in different specific ways.
Common pairings
linear regression
regression testing
emotional regression
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Word forms
- Plural
- regressions
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Therapists sometimes see _____ in patients under extreme stress.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin regressio, built on regress plus -ion. The statistical sense comes from the phrase "regression to the mean."
Synonyms
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fixation
regress
reversion
retroversion
retrogression
simple regression
infantile fixation
arrested development
statistical regression
regression toward the mean
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for regression
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for regression →
Frequently asked questions
What does “regression” mean?
The word “regression” means a return to an earlier, usually less developed or less desirable, state. In plain terms, falling back to an earlier state — used in psychology, statistics, and software testing in different specific ways.
How do you pronounce “regression”?
“Regression” is pronounced rih-GREHSH-uhn (/ɹiːˈɡɹɛʃ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “regression” in a sentence?
Here is “regression” used in a sentence: “Therapists sometimes see regression in patients under extreme stress.”
What is the opposite of “regression”?
The opposite of “regression” — its antonyms — is progression.
What part of speech is “regression”?
“Regression” is a noun.
Where does the word “regression” come from?
The word “regression” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin regressio, built on regress plus -ion. The statistical sense comes from the phrase "regression to the mean.".
Is “regression” a common word?
“Regression” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “regression” have?
“Regression” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a return to an earlier, usually less developed or less desirable, state.
