Backsliding Meaning in English
word · lemma: backslide
Definition
Backsliding is when someone starts to go back to old bad habits, beliefs, or behaviors after making progress or improvement, often used for religion, recovery, or personal goals.
Usage & Nuances
Most common in formal and semi-formal settings, often about moral, religious, or recovery contexts. Not used for physical movement. Collocates with 'religious backsliding,' 'backsliding into addiction,' and 'accusations of backsliding.' Unlike 'relapse,' 'backsliding' can be more general, not just for medical or addiction cases.
Example Sentences
His backsliding made his friends worried.
basic
After months of dieting, she feared backsliding.
basic
The teacher warned the class against backsliding.
basic
He's been doing well, but there's always a risk of backsliding.
natural
People saw her return to old habits as a form of backsliding.
natural
There have been accusations of government backsliding on promised reforms.
natural