retrograde thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retrograde thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mindset or approach that is considered backward or regressive, often in relation to social or cultural issues. Example: "The proposal was met with criticism for its retrograde thinking, as it failed to address modern societal needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Such a system, so obviously absurd for autos, persisted for houses, Fuller argued, because of retrograde thinking.

The New Yorker

But he took a gratuitous slap at Mr. Levy, characterizing him as a union puppet and a purveyor of retrograde thinking.

The New York Times

In Victoria, the battle was fought over decades to guarantee access to terminations, while in other states the fight continues, and all of this progress could be jeopardised by a top-down return to retrograde thinking about women's rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

By Lawrence Wright Texas is as politically divided as the rest of the U.S., but a recurrent crop of crackpots and ideologues has fed its reputation for proud know-nothingism and retrograde thinking.

The New Yorker

Handled brilliantly by our host, you could hardly wish for a more apt, or uproarious, accidental start to a show that addresses both race and retrograde thinking – although Kumar is just as interested in the trespasses of the left as how racists, sexists and BBC-bashers trespass against us.

The Guardian

The thesis in question, titled "The Republican Party's Vision for the Family," is as the Washington Post reported, filled with lots of retrograde thinking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But, let's not pre-judge, because there's a good chance someone will say, "Don't be such retrograde idiots, is my suggestion," or "Start thinking about including people in national missions," and we can call it a day.

Huffington Post

Spending hundreds of millions of dollars to increase any city's dependence on the automobile when we should be thinking about less climate-changing alternatives would be retrograde, to say the least.

The New Yorker

Since this thought is a thought of thinking, however, and thus itself thinking, this thinking that has been thought principiates its own principle in retrograde fashion.

SEP

The 1981 edition of "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" summed up the group's opposition to working motherhood: "Our plea to any mother who is thinking about taking an outside job is, 'if at all possible, don't.' " A generation earlier, La Leche was almost radical; now, to feminists, it seemed retrograde.

The New York Times - Magazine

And thinking, thinking, thinking".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retrograde thinking" when critiquing ideas or policies that revert to less effective or less equitable states. For example, "The new policy demonstrates "retrograde thinking" in its approach to environmental conservation".

Common error

Don't assume that everything old is "retrograde thinking". "Retrograde thinking" implies a return to less effective or harmful practices. Ensure that the context supports this negative connotation and demonstrates a clear step backward, not just a difference in approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retrograde thinking" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "retrograde" modifies the noun "thinking". It describes a type of thinking characterized as backward or regressive. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrograde thinking" is a phrase used to describe a backward or regressive mindset. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys criticism of outdated or ineffective approaches. Related phrases include "backward thinking" and "regressive mindset". When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly contrasts it with progressive ideas to avoid misinterpretation. The phrase generally maintains a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backward thinking

Focuses on the backward direction of the thought process.

regressive thinking

Highlights the regressive nature of the thought process, moving towards a less advanced state.

outdated thinking

Emphasizes that the thinking is no longer current or relevant.

reactionary mindset

Indicates a mindset that opposes change and seeks to return to a previous state.

obsolete reasoning

Highlights that the reasoning is no longer in use or applicable.

archaic perspective

Points out that the perspective belongs to an earlier period and is no longer suitable.

conventional wisdom

Refers to widely held beliefs that may no longer be valid or effective.

traditional viewpoint

Highlights adherence to established viewpoints, potentially resisting innovation.

old-fashioned ideas

Emphasizes the dated nature of the ideas.

conservative approach

Indicates a preference for maintaining the status quo and resisting change.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "retrograde thinking" in a sentence?

Use "retrograde thinking" to describe ideas or approaches that represent a step backward from progress or modern standards. For example, "His policies were criticized for their "retrograde thinking", especially concerning women's rights."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "retrograde thinking"?

You can use alternatives like "backward thinking", "regressive thinking", or "outdated thinking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "retrograde thinking" a formal or informal expression?

"Retrograde thinking" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in analytical or critical discussions, such as in news articles or academic papers.

What's the difference between "retrograde thinking" and "conservative approach"?

"Retrograde thinking" implies a return to something worse or less effective, while a "conservative approach" simply favors maintaining the status quo or traditional methods without necessarily implying a negative step backward. The first is implicitly critical, the second is more neutral.