C2adjectiveformalworklawscience
US/ˌret.rəˈspek.tɪv/
UK/ˌret.rəʊˈspek.tɪv/
looking back at the past; also, of laws, applying to a time before they were made
In context
The team held a retrospective meeting to discuss what went wrong.
The new tax rule is retrospective, so it applies from last January.
In a retrospective study, researchers looked at 20 years of patient records.
Words that go with retrospective
adjective + noun
- retrospective studyA retrospective study found a link between night shifts and poor sleep.
- retrospective analysisA retrospective analysis of the crash showed several warning signs.
- retrospective effectThe pay rise will have retrospective effect from April.
- retrospective exhibitionThe gallery is holding a retrospective exhibition of her paintings.
- retrospective legislationMany lawyers oppose retrospective legislation on principle.