na-adjective
conservative; backward-looking; unenterprising
Describes a person, attitude, or policy that is resistant to change, lacking initiative, or clinging to old ways. Often carries a negative or critical tone.
彼の退嬰的な考え方では、新しい事業は成功しないだろう。
With his conservative way of thinking, the new business probably won't succeed.
退嬰的な政策のせいで、改革が遅れている。
Reform is being delayed because of the backward-looking policies.
Compound of 退嬰 (taiei, 'retrogression; withdrawal') + 的 (-teki, '-like; -ive'). The exact historical derivation of 退嬰 is uncertain, but it is composed of kanji meaning 'retreat' and 'infant', suggesting a figurative sense of shrinking back or being immature.