adjective
retroactive
ret-roh-AK-tiv
Retroactive (adjective) means extending in effect or application back to a time or conditions before it was made. Example: “The pay rise was made retroactive to the start of the year.”
adjective
1
Extending in effect or application back to a time or conditions before it was made.
"The pay rise was made retroactive to the start of the year."
"Lawmakers debated whether the new rule should be retroactive."
"Her insurance cover was applied retroactively after the claim was approved."
How to use retroactive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRetroactive means reaching back to affect something that already happened.
When to use it
Retroactive is a fairly formal word, common in legal, financial and official writing.
Memory tip
Retroactive describes a change that reaches backwards in time, so pair it mentally with 'backdated'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a retroactive pay rise
retroactive effect
applied retroactively
a retroactive law
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like retroactive.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pay rise was made _____ to the start of the year.
Etymology
Retroactive was first recorded in 1610. It came into English from the French rétroactif, and is built from retro- joined to active.
Rhymes for retroactive
See all rhymes for retroactive →Frequently asked questions
What does retroactive mean?
Retroactive means applying back to an earlier time or to conditions that existed before something took effect.
Can you give an example of something retroactive?
A pay rise backdated to an earlier date, so staff receive extra money for months already worked, is retroactive.
Is retroactive the same as retrospective?
No, though they are related. Retroactive specifically means a change, such as a law or a pay rise, is made to apply back to an earlier date. Retrospective is the broader term for looking back at or reviewing something that already happened, without that specific sense of a backdated legal or administrative effect.
What is the meaning of retroactive?
"retroactive" (adjective) means extending in effect or application back to a time or conditions before it was made.
