retrograde ideology

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "retrograde ideology" is correct and usable in written English, and is typically used to describe a set of beliefs or practices that are outdated or regressive.
For example, "This retrograde ideology prevents the advancement of women's rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They embody the exact retrograde ideology that Moore exposes in the film: the market fundamentalism, racism, and general meanness that prevent any real progress toward enacting the kind of commonsense public policies that Moore explores in this powerful movie.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Much of the document had retrograde language that emphasized ideology stretching back to Mao and had little in the way of bold or creative thinking, said Qian Gang, the director of the China Media Project at the University of Hong Kong.

The New York Times

Wahhabism is, like the ideology of the Taliban, a retrograde strain of Islam that is obsessed with the question of purity.

The New York Times

It is not accidental that Serebrennikov came to face criminal charges at a time when Russia's ruling ideology has turned inward and conservative, at times veering toward the outright retrograde and obscurantist.

The New Yorker

Hence, retrograde.

The New York Times

Snobbish and retrograde.

The Guardian - Arts

"The iPad is retrograde.

The Guardian - Tech

Ideology does.

The New York Times

Ideology matters.

The New York Times

Ideology, mainly.

The Economist

— rather than retrograde.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retrograde ideology" when specifically referring to a set of beliefs that not only resists progress but actively seeks to return to a previous, often less equitable, state.

Common error

Avoid using "retrograde ideology" to describe any conservative viewpoint. "Retrograde" implies a desire to revert to past practices, not merely a preference for tradition. For example, supporting lower taxes isn't necessarily "retrograde", but advocating for the re-establishment of feudalism would be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retrograde ideology" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "retrograde" modifies the noun "ideology". As Ludwig AI explains, it typically describes a set of beliefs that are outdated or regressive. It serves to categorize and criticize specific belief systems.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrograde ideology" is a noun phrase used to negatively characterize belief systems as outdated and regressive. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though its frequency is relatively low. Primarily found in news and media, this phrase serves to critique and discredit specific ideologies by associating them with a desire to return to a less progressive state. While "retrograde ideology" can be a powerful descriptor, ensure that it is used accurately and not simply as a synonym for conservatism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regressive philosophy

Substitutes "ideology" with "philosophy" and "retrograde" with "regressive", highlighting the backward-moving nature.

outdated belief system

Replaces "retrograde" with a more common synonym, focusing on the time aspect of being outdated.

obsolete ideology

Highlights the outdated nature of the belief system.

reactionary principles

Uses "reactionary" instead of "retrograde", indicating a resistance to change and a desire to return to a previous state, and replaces "ideology" with "principles".

traditionalist ideology

Focuses on the adherence to tradition inherent in some retrograde ideas.

conservative dogma

Replaces "retrograde" with "conservative" and "ideology" with "dogma", emphasizing the traditional and often inflexible nature of the belief.

old-fashioned doctrine

Emphasizes the outdated nature of the "ideology" using common synonyms.

archaic worldview

Replaces both words to express a very outdated perspective.

backward thinking

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the lack of progress.

atavistic ideology

Uses a more scholarly term, "atavistic", to describe a return to earlier behaviors.

FAQs

What does "retrograde" mean in the context of "retrograde ideology"?

In the context of "retrograde ideology", "retrograde" means reverting or degenerating to a less developed state. It suggests a desire to return to past ideas or systems, often perceived as outdated or harmful.

How is "retrograde ideology" different from simply being conservative?

While conservatism generally advocates for maintaining existing traditions and institutions, "retrograde ideology" implies a desire to actively return to past conditions, even if those conditions are widely considered less desirable or equitable.

What are some examples of what might be considered a "retrograde ideology"?

Examples of what might be termed a "retrograde ideology" could include movements advocating for the reinstatement of slavery, the dismantling of women's suffrage, or the revival of feudal social structures.

Are there any neutral or positive connotations to the term "retrograde ideology"?

The term "retrograde ideology" is generally used with negative connotations, implying a desire to return to a worse state. It is rare to find contexts where it is used neutrally or positively, as it suggests a rejection of progress.