backsliding

[ˈbækslaɪdɪŋ]

backsliding Definition

• 1. the act of reverting to bad habits or sinful ways
• 2. a lapse into previous, inferior, or undesirable patterns of behavior, especially a lapse in religious devotion

Using backsliding: Examples

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

• Example

  After quitting smoking for a year, his backsliding led him to start again.

• Example

  The pastor's sermon warned against the dangers of backsliding in one's faith.

• Example

  Her backsliding into drug use was a cause for concern among her friends and family.

backsliding Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for backsliding

• relapse
• regression
• retrogression
• reversion
• falling back

Antonyms for backsliding

• progress
• improvement
• advancement

Idioms Using backsliding

• slide back into

  return to a previous state or condition, especially a negative one

  Example

  Without proper treatment, it's easy to slide back into addiction.

• fall off the wagon

  return to a bad habit, especially drinking alcohol after a period of abstinence

  Example

  After six months of sobriety, he fell off the wagon and started drinking again.

• go down the tubes

  fail or decline rapidly

  Example

  The company's profits went down the tubes after the CEO's resignation.

Phrases with backsliding

• spiritual backsliding

  a decline in religious devotion or practice

  Example

  The church offered support groups for those struggling with spiritual backsliding.

• political backsliding

  a reversal of democratic progress or a decline in political freedoms

  Example

  The country's political backsliding was a cause for concern among human rights organizations.

• economic backsliding

  a decline in economic growth or stability

  Example

  The government's policies led to economic backsliding and rising unemployment rates.

Origins of backsliding

from 'backslide', meaning 'to slide back'

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Summary: backsliding in Brief

'Backsliding' [ˈbækslaɪdɪŋ] refers to the act of reverting to bad habits or undesirable patterns of behavior, such as drug use or smoking. It can also refer to a decline in religious devotion or political freedoms. Phrases like 'slide back into' and 'fall off the wagon' denote returning to negative states, while 'go down the tubes' implies rapid decline.