Backslide

Pronunciation varies by accent · verb

Meaning

(intransitive) To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive) To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.
2. (transitive) To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.
3. (Christianity) To revert back into a life of sin after being saved.
4. A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.
5. (dance) A dance move in which the feet are alternately slid back and the heels lifted, giving the illusion of walking forwards while actually moving backwards.

Example Sentences

He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide.

[…] Monna Brigida, who had backslided into false hair in Romola's absence, but now drew it off again and declared she would not mind being gray, if her dear child would stay with her.

Despite backsliding in various parts of the globe, there's a very clear trend towards the decentralisation of governments.

Rich countries are backsliding on their commitment to agree to new WTO measures to help people in poor countries gain access to affordable medicines.

Synonyms for backslide

Antonyms for backslide

Related Words

Word Forms

• backslides
• backsliding
• backslid
• backslided
• backslidden

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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