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 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

For full-size gimbals, Zhiyun is the obvious fallback brand for Ronin owners, though its line isn't as well-suited for use for cinema and commercial production. —PC Magazine, 13 Nov. 2025

The availability of the highest speeds still depends on your service area, but AT&T is a compelling, future-ready choice for businesses that run large data flows, require symmetrical speeds, or want a strong fallback option in case of an outage. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Verb

All good, there’s a showdown between the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings to fall back on. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

Sophomore Jordan Seaton is Penei Sewell in the making, a quick-twitch blocker who can fire or fall back, with the feet and leverage to pull and plow guys in space. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 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