Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

backsliding

noun

/ˈbæk.slaɪ.dɪŋ/

Definition

The act of reverting to a previous, usually worse, state or condition, particularly after making progress or improvements.

Examples

After months of healthy eating, Jane experienced some backsliding when she indulged in junk food over the weekend.
His backsliding into old habits worried his friends, who had seen him overcome many challenges.
The project’s backsliding resulted in a loss of both time and resources, requiring a reevaluation of strategy.

Meaning

Backsliding commonly refers to the decline or deterioration of one’s progress, often in the context of behavior or personal development, where someone returns to old habits or struggles despite previous improvements.