retroactive

American  

[re-troh-ak-tiv] / ˌrɛ troʊˈæk tɪv /

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.

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retroactive British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nonretroactive adjective
• nonretroactivity noun
• retroactively adverb
• retroactiveness noun
• retroactivity noun
• unretroactive adjective

Etymology

Origin of retroactive

First recorded in 1605–15; retro- + active

Example Sentences

After more than five weeks of working without pay due to a funding impasse, most TSA employees received two, full retroactive paychecks on Monday, according to union officials and a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman.

From The Wall Street Journal

Years later, her complicity filled her with retroactive rage and guilt.

From The Wall Street Journal

The eligibility policy approved by the IOC is not retroactive and does not apply to recreational sports programs.

From Los Angeles Times

The state was the first in the nation to pass legislation allowing such retroactive cancellations.

From Salon

The union is approaching a full two years without a contract, so the timing and amount of retroactive pay would also need to be worked out.

From Los Angeles Times