What Does Applied Retroactively Mean?

If a decision or action is retroactive, it is intended to take effect from a date in the past. [formal] There are few precedents for this sort of retroactive legislation. retroactively adverb [ADV with v] It isn't yet clear whether the new law can actually be applied retroactively.

What does retroactively apply mean?

adverb. 1. Retroactively is defined as something done after the fact, or applied to something that has already occurred. If you do work this week and you get paid next week for work that has already been done, this is an example of getting paid retroactively.

What does Cannot be applied retroactively mean?

(of a law or decision) in a way that has effect from a date before it was approved: The courts cannot apply a new rule retroactively.