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

Keeping the old schedule as a fallback feels like protecting the organization while the new approach proves itself. — Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Courts have become the fallback mechanism, but litigation is slow and necessarily built on harms that have already occurred. — Ryan McBain, STAT, 2 July 2026

Verb

Arizona, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico are among the states and territories that don't follow this pattern of sprining forward and falling back. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Indeed, specific categories within the broader CPI report can surge or fall back amid various supply and demand issues. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 14 July 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