retroactive Definition
- 1taking effect from a date in the past
- 2applying to events that have already occurred
Using retroactive: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retroactive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The new law is not retroactive and will only apply to future cases.
Example
The company implemented a retroactive pay increase for all employees.
Example
The court ruled that the law could not be applied retroactively.
retroactive Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for retroactive
- retrospective
- retrogressive
- backward-looking
- retrospectively effective
Antonyms for retroactive
- prospective
- forward-looking
Phrases with retroactive
the application of a law or policy to events that have already occurred
Example
The new policy will have a retroactive effect on all previous transactions.
payment for work done in the past, with the payment amount reflecting a raise or increase in pay that was not previously given
Example
The company gave all employees a retroactive pay increase for the past year.
a phenomenon where newly learned information interferes with the recall of old information
Example
The study found that retroactive interference can affect memory recall.
Origins of retroactive
from French 'rétroactif', from Latin 'retroact-' meaning 'moved back'
Summary: retroactive in Brief
The term 'retroactive' [ˌrɛtrəʊˈæktɪv] describes something that takes effect from a date in the past or applies to events that have already occurred. It is often used in legal and financial contexts, such as 'The company implemented a retroactive pay increase for all employees.' 'Retroactive' has synonyms like 'retrospective' and 'backward-looking,' and antonyms like 'prospective' and 'forward-looking.'
