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

Our system has some redundancy, and its fallbacks include the older Croton watershed, which normally delivers 10 percent or so of our supply but can and will do more. —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2024

In the spirit of various British politicians who have retired into crypto positions, World Liberty Financial could represent an attempt by Trump to hedge against a loss in the upcoming election—to set up for himself a fallback gig. —Joel Khalili, WIRED, 16 Sep. 2024

Verb

During the latest quarter, national advertising revenue fell back to $46.8 million, compared to $52 million in the third quarter of 2023. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

What time do clocks 'fall back?' When local time reaches 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, clocks will turn backward an hour to 1 a.m. Your smartphones, computers and smart watches will automatically adjust to the time change. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 2 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