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

While traditional supply chain risk management often focuses on operational risks—such as regional warehouse fallbacks, diversifying transportation providers, or multi-sourcing—emerging challenges extend to geopolitical, macroeconomic, and environmental risks. —Ashok Viswanathan, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Previously, organizers have said there is no fallback plan or backup location in case the wet weather persists. —Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 12 July 2024

Verb

The price of eggs is not affected, unless the government buys up more of them than usual for whatever reason, and even then, the price eventually falls back to normal. —Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Peregrine eventually fell back to Earth and burned up in Earth's atmosphere. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fall back

verb

: retreat entry 2 sense 1