retroactive

[ re-troh-ak-tiv ]

adjective

1. operative with respect to past occurrences, as a statute; retrospective:

   a retroactive law.

2. pertaining to a pay raise effective as of a past date.

retroactive

/ ˌrɛtrəʊˈæktɪv /

adjective

1. applying or referring to the past

   retroactive legislation

2. effective or operative from a date or for a period in the past

Derived Forms

• ˌretroˈactiveness, noun
• ˌretroˈactively, adverb

Other Words From

• ret·ro·ac·tive·ly adverb
• ret·ro·ac·tiv·i·ty noun
• non·ret·ro·ac·tive adjective
• non·ret·ro·ac·tiv·i·ty noun
• un·ret·ro·ac·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of retroactive¹

First recorded in 1605–15; retro- + active

Example Sentences

It will not be retroactive, meaning that it’s only applicable to future discoveries, not past ones.

From Seattle Times

And Boeing withdrew its offer then to make that pay increase retroactive to the beginning of March.

From Seattle Times

The hope is the new pay will help recruitment efforts, though there is also concern that current officers will take their retroactive pay raises and leave.

From Seattle Times

The creative team behind the 1999 hit horror film “The Blair Witch Project” is calling for increased retroactive compensation for the movie’s three stars, as well as “meaningful consultation” on an upcoming reboot.

From New York Times

The retroactive measure, which would waive the statute of limitations for victims filing a civil claim as part of the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy settlement, would take effect after Gov. Kim Reynolds signs it.

From Seattle Times