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

Two-thirds of the 50 counties around the U.S. considered most exposed to potential fallbacks were concentrated in California, Illinois, New Jersey and Florida. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Willy Adames, seen as another potential fallback option, is already off the board after agreeing to a deal with the Giants. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

As the dust falls back to the surface, the wind carries it into these swirling patterns. —Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Paul Spies, co-president of the Berlin Museums Association, who spoke to TAN, warned that abrupt reductions may force some institutions to cancel work contracts before their agreed upon terms, arguing that many organizations don’t have reserve budgets to fall back on. —Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 23 Dec. 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