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 until storage, grid flexibility, and firm low-carbon capacity scale sufficiently to cover peak demand and periods of low wind or hydro output, coal will continue to serve as the system’s fallback. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

While many celebrities are embracing color this season, Wilde’s outfit serves as a reminder that an all-black moment remains fashion’s most reliable fallback and a classic style for a reason. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 16 June 2026

Verb

And long-term oil prices, which is the biggest influence on the price of gas, don’t show signs of falling back below the pre-war $70 a barrel level any time before the next decade. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 18 June 2026

Temperatures fall back into the 70s through this evening. —Cutter Martin, CBS News, 17 June 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