backslide

[bak-slahyd]

backslide Definition

  • 1to return to a previous, often worse, condition or behavior
  • 2to relapse into bad habits or vices

Using backslide: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "backslide" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    After quitting smoking for six months, he backslid and started again.

  • Example

    She had been sober for two years before she backslid and started drinking again.

  • Example

    The company's profits have backslid in the last quarter.

  • Example

    He promised not to backslide into his old ways.

backslide Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for backslide

Idioms Using backslide

  • in a state of decline or deterioration

    Example

    The company has been on the backslide ever since their CEO resigned.

  • to return to one's previous bad habits or vices

    Example

    After years of being clean, he backslid into his old habits and started using drugs again.

  • to return to a state of being unknown or forgotten

    Example

    After his hit song, he released several unsuccessful albums and eventually backslid into obscurity.

Phrases with backslide

  • to return to sinful behavior after a period of improvement or repentance

    Example

    After years of living a life of debauchery, he finally found religion and stopped drinking. However, he eventually backslid into sin and started drinking again.

  • backslide into poverty

    to return to a state of poverty after a period of financial stability

    Example

    After getting a job and saving up some money, he was finally able to move out of the slums. However, he eventually lost his job and backslid into poverty.

  • to return to a state of depression after a period of mental stability

    Example

    After months of therapy and medication, she was finally able to overcome her depression. However, she eventually backslid into depression and had to start treatment again.

Origins of backslide

from 'back' + 'slide', meaning to slide back

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Summary: backslide in Brief

'Backslide' [bak-slahyd] means to return to a previous, often worse, condition or behavior, such as relapsing into bad habits or vices. Examples include returning to smoking or drinking after quitting, or a company's profits declining in the last quarter. Phrases like 'backslide into sin' and idioms like 'on the backslide' denote a state of decline or deterioration.