retrogradation

/ˌrɛtrəɡrəˈdeɪʃən/
noun
  1. The process of moving backward or declining to a worse state.
    • Historians noted a retrogradation in living standards after the war.
    • The retrogradation of the economy worried many investors.
    • The company's retrogradation was due to poor management decisions.
  2. In astronomy, the apparent backward motion of a planet in its orbit as seen from Earth.
    • During retrogradation, the planet seems to move westward for a few weeks.
    • The astronomer explained the retrogradation of Jupiter to the students.
    • Mars is known for its periodic retrogradation in the night sky.
Antonyms
What does "retrogradation" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean