backslide

[ bak-slahyd ]

verb (used without object)

, back·slid, back·slid or back·slid·den, back·slid·ing.

1. to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities.

noun

1. an act or instance of backsliding:

   a backslide from his early training.

backslide

/ ˈbækˌslaɪd /

verb

1. intr to lapse into bad habits or vices from a state of virtue, religious faith, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈbackˌslider, noun

Other Words From

• backslider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backslide¹

First recorded in 1575–85; back ² + slide

Example Sentences

Without moral transformation, political changes to laws and leaders would be impermanent and vulnerable to backsliding.

From Salon

That would be a good sign for Harris, who hopes women's anger at Trump, the Dobbs decision and democratic backsliding will help propel her to be the first woman elected as president.

From Salon

Ultimately the protests failed and the EU froze Georgia's bid to join the 27-country union, accusing it of democratic backsliding.

From BBC

The European Union has responded by freezing Georgia's bid to join the EU, accusing it of "democratic backsliding".

From BBC

Georgians overwhelmingly back joining the European Union, but the EU froze that process this year amid stinging accusations from Brussels that the government was backsliding on democracy.

From BBC