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

The concerns about fallback energy sources are valid and shed a light on our desire to not change our lifestyles to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

Jain isn’t the only board member that is sounding the alarm on VTA’s lack of a fallback plan. —Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024

Verb

Under that scenario, the case would fall back into Chutkan’s hands. —Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 June 2024

This will cause temperatures to fall back a bit for the end of the week, but hot conditions will quickly rebound on Sunday. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 13 June 2024

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