© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

regress

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /rɪˈɡrɛs/

KK: /rɪˈgrɛs/

intransitive verb
Definition

To return to a previous state, often one that is worse or less developed.


Example

After the new policy was implemented, the company's performance began to regress.


Tense Forms

Past: regressed

Past Participle: regressed


Conversation
Sloth A
I've noticed that when I stop practicing, my skills seem to regress.
Sloth B
Yeah, that happens to me too; it's like we forget everything we learned.
Sloth A
Exactly! I really need to keep at it, or I'll just keep regressing.
Sloth B
Totally! Consistency is key to improving.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decline
deteriorate
retrogress
Antonyms
advance
progress
improve
noun
Definition

The process of returning to a previous state, often worse or less developed than before.


Example

The patient's health showed a regress after stopping the treatment.


Conversation
Sloth A
I feel like sometimes we regress instead of moving forward in life.
Sloth B
Yeah, I get that. It can be frustrating when that happens.
Sloth A
Exactly! It's like we take two steps back for every step forward.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To return to a previous state or condition, often one that is less developed or less advanced.


Example

The therapy aimed to regress the patient to a more relaxed state of mind.


Tense Forms

Past: regressed

Past Participle: regressed


Conversation
Sloth A
I read that some therapies might actually regress a person's mental state.
Sloth B
That's interesting! I wonder how that works in practice.
Sloth A
Yeah, it seems counterintuitive to regress instead of making progress.
Root Explanation

Regress → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back) and "gradi" (meaning to step or walk). The word "regress" means to step back or return to a previous state.

Memory Tip

Think of 'stepping back' ('re-') to a previous place or condition — that's what regress means.

Visually Confused Words
egress
reingress
repress
redress
negress
reges
retrogress
regardless
Is this page helpful?
True, but acknowledging it is the first step to change.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
return
reversion
relapse
Antonyms
progress
advancement
improvement
Sloth B
True, but sometimes exploring past experiences can help in understanding current issues.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
deteriorate
decline
retrogress
Antonyms
advance
progress
improve