regressivity

/ˌriːɡrɛˈsɪvɪti/
noun
  1. The property of a tax or system that takes a larger percentage from low-income earners than from high-income earners.
    • Reducing regressivity in the tax code is a goal of many reform groups.
    • They studied the regressivity of various state tax systems.
    • The regressivity of the sales tax is a major concern for poverty advocates.
  2. The quality of being regressive; tendency to move backward or worsen.
    • The regressivity of the country's environmental policies alarmed scientists.
    • Social regressivity can be seen in the return of outdated customs.
    • The report highlighted the regressivity of the new educational standards.