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

These products have long been treated as compromises — fallbacks for pet owners or renters. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Too much dependence on one shipping lane means that when a corridor closes, there may be no fallback. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

Temperatures could reach near 70 degrees Monday before falling back to the mid-60s Tuesday through Thursday. — Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026

Temperatures will fall back toward seasonal averages, with highs generally in the 60s and cool morning lows in the 40s. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 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