backslide
verb (used without object)
to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities.
backsliding
-
present participleof backslide.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In countries like Bangladesh, India and Nepal, youth-led anti-government uprisings have over the past 12 months rallied immense support against the various pressure points of corruption, nepotism, economic inequality and democratic backsliding.
From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026
His husband is still paying off his old credit-card debt, and they are constantly trying to cut down on expenses to avoid backsliding.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
Ours is an age not only of cultural backsliding but also of people uprooting themselves for the sake of safety and reinvention.
From Salon ● May 20, 2026
They also stressed that they and their allies were working hard to prevent such backsliding.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 7, 2026
Brother Fowles had been in Kilanga six years, which really when you think about it is long enough for about any kind of backsliding you could name.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
