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

But backsliding vaccination rates have increased the risk of massive eruptions and now threaten the nation’s measles elimination status. —Erika Edwards, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026

Now many companies are backsliding on green pledges by abandoning or weakening targets. —Greg Ritchie, Bloomberg, 24 Feb. 2026

During an August 2018 conversation with The Arizona Republic’s editorial board and reporters, Jackson said backsliding on civil rights gains was evident. —Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 17 Feb. 2026

Bass, in turn, warned the county’s actions could cause the city to backslide in its fight against homelessness. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 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