# retroactive

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˌɹɛt.ɹəʊˈæk.tɪv/ · frequency rank #32,157

## Definitions
1. Extending in scope, effect, application or influence to a prior time or to prior conditions

## Etymology
First attested in 1610. From French rétroactif, equivalent to retro- + active.

## Easily confused with
- **retroactively** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/retroactive-vs-retroactively)
- **refractive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/refractive-vs-retroactive)

## Common misspellings (16)
`ertroactive`, `rertoactive`, `retoractive`, `retraoctive`, `retroacctive`, `retroacitve`, `retroactiev`, `retroactivve`, `retroacttive`, `retroactvie`, `retroatcive`, `retrocative`, `retrroactive`, `rettroactive`, `rretroactive`, `rteroactive`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/retroactive