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

“You couldn’t make that up! We mustn’t ever backslide.”

From Los Angeles Times

We expect a noticeable backslide in State College — and mounting pressure on coach James Franklin.

From Seattle Times

And that does feel like a bit of a backslide because of the constriction of this industry right now.

From Los Angeles Times

For the oil and gas industry, a democratic backslide is, like a warming planet, just another cost of doing business.

From Salon

The drop in value is just the latest backslide for the struggling downtown shopping center.

From Seattle Times