backslide

verb

back·​slide ˈbak-ˌslīd 

backslid ˈbak-ˌslid  ; backslid or backslidden ˈbak-ˌsli-dᵊn  ; backsliding ˈbak-ˌslī-diŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to lapse morally or in the practice of religion

2

: to revert to a worse condition : retrogress

backslide noun

backslider

ˈbak-ˌslī-dər 

noun

Examples of backslide in a Sentence

Smokers who quit often backslide within a year.

Recent Examples on the Web

Liberty keep backsliding The Liberty, a perennial contender in recent years, have lost eight of their last 10 (excluding their Commissioner’s Cup championship victory, which does not count toward the regular-season standings). — James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Barely mentioned anymore, as Europe and the United States look to enlist a strong regional partner, are decades of democratic backsliding and human rights issues. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2026

In 2026, Chicago is backsliding on what had been strikingly positive declines in shootings and murders while peer cities like New York and Los Angeles continue to see improvement this year. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

And, if Tuesday’s projections prove accurate, scores could even backslide. — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1554, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for backslide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

backslide

verb

back·​slide ˈbak-ˌslīd 

backslid -ˌslid  ; backslid or backslidden -ˌslid-ᵊn  ; backsliding -ˌslīd-iŋ 

1

: to go back to a less religious or less moral condition

2

: to go back to a worse condition

backslide noun

backslider

-ˌslīd-ər 

noun