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

Otherwise, her financial situation could backslide, ruining all the progress she's made. —Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Given the findings above, concerns about backsliding seem unwarranted. —Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

The cryptocurrency had been backsliding since reaching its all-time high on May 22 , falling 10% to $100,428 by Friday. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 10 June 2025

Pediatricians now fear the country could backslide in its containment efforts, especially because Kennedy has long criticized childhood vaccinations. —Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025

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