Backsliding - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Backsliding means reverting to old, often negative habits or behaviors after making progress. It is commonly used to describe a decline in personal growth, morals, or achievements.
Definition:
Relapsing into bad habits or undesirable behavior after improvement.
Synonyms:
regression, relapse, retrogression, reversion
Part of Speech:
noun, verb (gerund)
Antonyms:
progress, improvement
Common Collocations:
moral backsliding, political backsliding, religious backsliding
Derivatives:
backslide (verb), backslider (noun)
Usage Tips:
Use "backsliding" to describe reverting to old habits, especially in moral or behavioral contexts.
Common Phrases:
"backsliding into old ways, " "prevent backsliding, " "spiritual backsliding"
Etymology:
From "back" + "slide," first used in the 16th century to describe reverting to sin.
Examples:
- 1. After months of progress, he began backsliding into unhealthy eating habits.
- 2. The team's backsliding cost them the championship after a strong start.
- 3. She feared backsliding into procrastination despite her recent productivity streak.
- 4. Religious leaders warned against backsliding into former sinful behaviors.