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

Make sure your plans include fallback options for these users but don’t fall into the trap of falling back onto lower-assurance security factors. —Aaron Painter, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Ashcraft has always had the fallback option of relieving, but with the additions to the rotation, his inconsistency last year and the team’s need, this could be his time to shine in the pen. —C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Verb

This cooler gas then falls back toward the center of the galactic cluster, feeding the supermassive black hole and triggering further outbursts. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Temperatures may fall back in 2025, but as things currently stand there is a good chance, at least according to projections used by the U.N., that 1.5 degrees will become a new floor. —The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025

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