fallback

1 of 2

noun

fall·​back ˈfȯl-ˌbak How to pronounce fallback (audio)
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
Phrases
fall back on or fall back upon
: to have recourse to
had to fall back on their reserves

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In its latest Special Housing Risk Report, which considers factors including gaps in affordability, underwater mortgages, foreclosures and unemployment, ATTOM found that two-thirds of the 50 U.S. counties most exposed to potential fallbacks were in these four states. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 Indie Games Aren’t Even Indie Some have argued that indie games are a self-sustainable fallback from the aftermath of AAA, but unfortunately, that’s not really the case. Ollie Barder, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
Powell added that the Federal Reserve still expects inflation to fall back to its target of 2 percent by the end of next year and that Trump's tariff plans will result in a temporary increase in prices rather than causing sustained inflation. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 But any stock build-up in the supply chain could drive an initial bump in sales for big producers, which will fall back as customers normalise their levels, Fitch Ratings said. Emma Rumney, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fallback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fallback was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Fallback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallback. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

fall back

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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