backslide

American  

[bak-slahyd] / ˈbækˌslaɪd /

verb (used without object)

backslid, backslid, backslidden, backsliding

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

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noun

1. an act or instance of backsliding.

   a backslide from his early training.

backslide British  

/ ˈbækˌslaɪd /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• backslider noun

Etymology

Origin of backslide

First recorded in 1575–85; back ² + slide

Example Sentences

How did public health backslide so hard that it undid decades of progress—and is there any hope we can get back on track?

From Slate • Jul. 11, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2024

Look for a slight but noticeable backslide in State College that increases the heat on coach James Franklin.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 2024

Every year teachers and parents observe how summer vacations lead some children’s academic progress to backslide.

From Scientific American • Jun. 29, 2023

It is not a fatal necessity that one, or more, or all the members of a church must periodically grow cold, lose their first love, and backslide from their God.

From The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church by Rhodes, M. (Mosheim)