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

But still, a team should keep its own first-rounder as a fallback plan, right? —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

If that primary path fails, regular electromechanical steering takes over as a first fallback. —Sean Evans, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026

Verb

In China, the figure peaked in 2022 at 42%, then fell back to 37%. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Gravity can cause the tongue and soft palate to fall back and obstruct the airway, making breathing harder. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 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
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

fall back

verb

: retreat entry 2 sense 1