fallback

1 of 2

noun

fall·​back ˈfȯl-ˌbak 

1

: something on which one can fall back : reserve

—often used attributively

a fallback career

a fallback position

2

: a falling back : retreat

3

: something that falls back

the fallback from an explosion

fall back

2 of 2

verb

fell back; fallen back; falling back; falls back

intransitive verb

: retreat, recede

see also:

fall back on

Synonyms of fallback

Verb

• withdraw
• retreat
• drop back
• pull out
• retire

Examples of fallback in a Sentence

Verb

resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The fallback is usually the most senior technical person in the building, which often means the CTO or IT director. — Rob Black, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Like many of us, LISA had a fallback in case her K-pop career didn’t pan out. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

Acuña immediately crumpled to the ground, tried to get up to walk and quickly fell back on the grass to the right of home plate. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026

When this happens, leaders fall back on observation and instinct. — Dr. Jay R. Harrison, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fallback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

fall back

verb

: retreat entry 2 sense 1