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

Rather than a fallback, resilience propels one’s work forward, fueling a mindset that turns challenges into catalysts for progress. —Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The outtakes that end each installment of Poppa’s House leave the overall impression that it’s largely improvised, which may explain why there are certain fallback comic approaches and targets. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Oct. 2024

Verb

If Trump loses the election, Trump Media has little to fall back on. —Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

But what happens when the economy falls back to earth?… California’s Foreign Policy California is the most populous state in the United States. —James O. Goldsborough, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 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