Backslide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⬅️

Add to dictionary

backslide

[ˈbækslaɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in religion

To relapse into bad ways or error after having made progress.

Synonyms

regress, relapse, retrogress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backslide	Typically used in contexts where someone falls back into bad habits, often used in religious or moral contexts. He has been trying to quit smoking, but he keeps backsliding when he gets stressed. After months of sobriety, she unfortunately backslid into her old drinking habits.
relapse	Primarily used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a return to a former state of illness or poor condition after a period of improvement. He's worried about having a relapse after his illness. After a few weeks of recovery, she suddenly relapsed into depression.
regress	Used in a general sense when someone or something returns to a less developed state. Commonly used in scientific, psychological, or developmental contexts. The patient's condition seemed to regress after the treatment was stopped. Under poor leadership, the company began to regress.
retrogress	Formal term used to indicate a move backward to a worse or less advanced state. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The city's infrastructure began to retrogress after years of neglect. His skills appeared to retrogress due to a lack of practice.

Examples of usage

She promised not to backslide into her old habits.
The congregation warned against backsliding from their faith.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A deterioration in behavior, belief, or standard.

Synonyms

decline, regression, setback.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backslide	Identical to the previous entry, indicating a return to bad habits or losing progress. Her commitment to healthy eating led her to backslide when she encountered stress. His studies suffered a backslide due to his growing social life.
decline	Used when something gradually decreases in quality, quantity, or importance. The company's profits have been in decline for the past three years. His health has started to decline due to his old age.
regression	Used primarily in technical, scientific, or psychological contexts to indicate a return to a previous, often less developed, state. The patient exhibited regression in their therapy, showing signs of earlier behaviors. Economic indicators showed a regression to levels seen a decade ago.
setback	Used when describing a specific event or obstacle that temporarily delays progress. The team faced a major setback when their equipment failed. The illness was a setback in her recovery, but she continued to fight.

Examples of usage

The company's backslide in customer service resulted in lower satisfaction rates.
The politician's backslide on his promises disappointed his supporters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'backslide'

The word 'backslide' originated from the combination of 'back' and 'slide'. It dates back to the 16th century and was initially used in a literal sense to describe sliding backwards. Over time, the term evolved to also represent a metaphorical regression or relapse, especially in religious contexts. The concept of backsliding has been a significant theme in various religious teachings and moral discourses.

See also: backsliding, slide, slider, slides, slideshow, sliding.