Backslide

/ˈbækˌslaɪd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

an instance of reverting to a previous, often less desirable, state.

His backslide into procrastination was disappointing after weeks of productivity.

a deterioration in moral or personal standards.

The organization was concerned about the backslide in community values.

verb

to revert to a previous, often less developed or less moral, state or condition.

After several months of improvement, he began to backslide into his old habits.

to fall back into previous undesirable patterns, particularly in behavior or progress.

Despite her efforts to stay sober, she found herself backsliding during stressful times.

to regress in progress or development, especially in a skill or area of knowledge.

If you don’t practice regularly, you might backslide in your language learning.

The term 'backslide' is formed from 'back', meaning to revert, and 'slide', implying a movement or fall.

backslide into old habits

To revert to previous, possibly negative behaviors.

backslide on a commitment

To fail to uphold a vow or promise made earlier.

regression

A return to a previous state, often one that is less developed.

relapse

To worsen after a period of improvement, often used in contexts such as addiction.

To fall back into bad habits or behavior.

He promised to quit smoking, but he totally backslid last weekend.

To give up progress made and return to old ways.

After getting fit, she backslid hard during the holidays.