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

• back away
• drop back
• pull out
• recede
• retire
• retreat
• withdraw

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

Design lateral roles with intent, and use talent as the starting point—not the fallback plan. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

So, House Republicans have two fallbacks in mind for the next few weeks. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 25 Mar. 2025

Verb

But in the fifth set, when everything was on the line, Paul mixed in just enough slices and sharp angles, while Khachanov fell back to his flat, grunting power, which has its limits in these parts. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 June 2025

The spacecraft fell back to Earth in an uncontrolled tumble over the Indian Ocean. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 May 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