backslide
verb
back·slide
ˈbak-ˌslīd 
backslid
ˈbak-ˌslid
; backslid or backslidden
ˈbak-ˌsli-dᵊn
; backsliding
ˈbak-ˌslī-diŋ
; backslid or backslidden
ˈbak-ˌsli-dᵊn
; backsliding
ˈbak-ˌslī-diŋ
1
: to lapse morally or in the practice of religion
2
: to revert to a worse condition : retrogress
backslide
noun
Examples of backslide in a Sentence
Smokers who quit often backslide within a year.
Recent Examples on the Web
Making changes actually happen within the facility can be difficult, slow and might result in backsliding instead of progress, Ducayet said.
—
Jess Huff, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Dec. 2024
In an era where technological advances are, once again, deployed to circumvent worker collective power; regulators and investors must use their power to prevent backsliding on progress.
—Áine Clarke, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2024
The Revolution made a good showing of themselves just reaching the Champions Cup quarterfinals, but the congested schedule of two games a week caused the team to backslide in MLS competition.
—Rich Thompson, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2024
Whereas our years-long love for the aesthetics of the 1990s just felt like nostalgia, the timing of the 2000s coming back post-election feels more like backsliding.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backslide 
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Jess Huff, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Dec. 2024
In an era where technological advances are, once again, deployed to circumvent worker collective power; regulators and investors must use their power to prevent backsliding on progress.
—Áine Clarke, Sourcing Journal, 18 Dec. 2024
The Revolution made a good showing of themselves just reaching the Champions Cup quarterfinals, but the congested schedule of two games a week caused the team to backslide in MLS competition.
—Rich Thompson, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2024
Whereas our years-long love for the aesthetics of the 1990s just felt like nostalgia, the timing of the 2000s coming back post-election feels more like backsliding.
—Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backslide
Articles Related to backslide
Dictionary Entries Near backslide
Cite this Entry
“Backslide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backslide. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backslide
verb
back·slide
ˈbak-ˌslīd
1
: to go back to a less religious or less moral condition
2
: to go back to a worse condition
backslide
noun
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