backslide
verb (used without object)
to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities.
are backsliding
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present progressiveof backslide.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Meanwhile, other countries are backsliding and reaching for coal.
From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026
"It underscores just how much we are backsliding now," says Dr Amesh Adalja, the infectious disease doctor and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2025
At the same time, some governments in Europe are backsliding on commitments already made.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 23, 2023
In some cases, governments are backsliding on promises as war, energy shortages and inflation have overshadowed climate concerns.
From New York Times ● Nov. 7, 2022
Other sectors in Brazilian science are backsliding, too.
From Science Magazine ● May 25, 2022
