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Glite Dictionary
⬅️ Becoming less advanced 🧸 Returning to childhood
regressiveness

regressiveness

8.8
A tendency to go back to earlier, less mature behavior when under stress
  • noun
  • /rɪˈɡrɛsɪvnəs/
translation icon : regresividad
  • Her regressiveness became apparent when she started avoiding adult responsibilities.

Examples

  • Therapists often look for signs of regressiveness in patients under extreme stress.

  • Her regressiveness during stressful times is concerning.

  • The regressiveness of his actions surprised everyone who knew his usual maturity.

  • The regressiveness of his behavior surprised everyone.

  • Therapists often look for signs of regressiveness in patients under extreme stress.

  • Her regressiveness became apparent when she started avoiding adult responsibilities.

  • The regressiveness of his actions surprised everyone who knew his usual maturity.

Synonyms

regression
vsregressiveness
  • Specialized
17 7.6

A return to an earlier, less developed state in behaviour or skills

is an ongoing state or tendency to return when under stress
retrogression
vsregressiveness
  • Specialized
9.8

A process when an animal or plant becomes simpler and loses complex parts

is the tendency to move back to earlier or less mature behavior under stress

Antonyms

advancement
119 4.1

Progress or growth that makes something better

How Regressive

retrogression
  • Formal
1 8.9
regressiveness
8.8
backsliding
3 7.2

Surface Forms

regressiveness singular
regressivenesses plural

Morphology

regressiveness = regressive (transparent) = regress + ive + ness

Formed by regular derivation: 'regressive' (regress + -ive) + '-ness' creates a noun meaning the quality of being regressive.

Etymology

Regressiveness comes from the parts re- meaning 'back' and gress meaning 'step', the same root you see in progress. It describes a tendency to 'step back' to an earlier or less mature stage, so it fits when someone under stress starts behaving more childlike.