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

• 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

Without any starting pitchers available for the right price at the trade deadline, McLean and Brandon Sproat became the fallback plan. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025

Without economic power from real commerce, the fallback to maintain influence becomes military force. —Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Verb

And there’s a chance next summer’s temperatures could fall back to 2024’s scorching numbers if the A’s decide to play more day games at Sutter Health Park. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Returning to the norm could never be business as usual on Tyneside, because having stretched for the sky and found it just out of reach, their fall back to earth landed harder. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 13 Aug. 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