retrogress
Slide toward worse
To retrogress is to move backward, returning to an earlier or less developed state.
The word suggests decline or deterioration: The patient's condition retrogressed after the treatment was stopped.
It's the opposite of progress, often used in formal or technical contexts to describe reversal of advancement: Without intervention, the reforms will retrogress.
Revert to bad habits
- reverseTurn to opposite
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- recedeMove back from
- backtrackReverse one's position
undo · return · relapse · fall back · slip back · rewind · retrace · withdraw
Grow worse over time
- worsenBecome more severe
- degenerateDecline morally or physically
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- atrophyWasting from disuse
wane · ebb · diminish · dwindle · shrink · weaken · fade · slump
Habitual return to crime
- setbackReverse in progress
- backslidingReverting to former sins
- recurrenceReturn of something previous
- returnGo back again
slippage · falling back · lapse · downturn · reoccurrence · repeat · cycle · pattern
backslide
Revert to bad habits
backtrack · undo · return · relapse · fall back · slip back · rewind · retrace · withdraw · rollback
deteriorate
Grow worse over time
- worsenBecome more severe
- degenerateDecline morally or physically
- decayGradual organic breakdown
atrophy · wane · ebb · diminish · dwindle · shrink · weaken · fade · slump · erode
recidivism
Habitual return to crime
- setbackReverse in progress
- backslidingReverting to former sins
- recurrenceReturn of something previous
return · slippage · falling back · lapse · downturn · reoccurrence · repeat · cycle · pattern · struggle