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

Phrases

fall back on or fall back upon

: to have recourse to

had to fall back on their reserves

Synonyms

Verb

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

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

Microsoft could potentially follow Sony’s lead — or try to capitalize on consumer frustration by holding firm and emphasizing Xbox’s relative value, particularly with its cheaper Series S model as a fallback. —Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

In times of uncertainty, nostalgia seems to be the fallback. —Stéphane Jg Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Verb

At least three old satellites or rocket bodies fall back to Earth every day, a new report reveals. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Justin Rose made a birdie at the 16th hole minutes later, while McIlroy bogeyed 14 to fall back into second place. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

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
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

fall back

verb

: retreat entry 2 sense 1