The meaning of RETROACTIVE is extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past; especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, …

RETROACTIVE definition: 1. If a law or decision is retroactive, it has effect from a date before it was approved: 2. If a…. Learn more.

Retroactive definition: operative with respect to past occurrences, as a statute; retrospective.. See examples of RETROACTIVE used in a sentence.

If a decision or action is retroactive, it is intended to take effect from a date in the past.

Definition of retroactive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Influencing or applying to a period prior to enactment: a retroactive pay increase. [French rétroactif, from Latin retroāctus, past participle of retroagere, to drive back : retrō-, retro- + …

Aug 30, 2025 · At its core, “retroactive” is an adjective that describes something that applies to or takes effect from a date in the past. Think of it as a way to say, “This change or rule is …

The adjective retroactive refers to something happening now that affects the past. For example, a retroactive tax is one that is passed at one time, but payable back to a time before the tax was …

The word 'retroactive' originated from the Latin word 'retroactus', which means 'driven back'. It first appeared in the early 17th century, referring to something that takes effect from a date in the …

They all received a retroactive pay raise. The new tax will be retroactive to January 1. The new law will be applied retroactively.