backslide

[bak-slahyd]

verb (used without object)

backslid, backslid, backslidden, backsliding. 

1. to relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities.

noun

1. an act or instance of backsliding.

   a backslide from his early training.

backslide

/ ˈbækˌslaɪd /

verb

1. (intr) to lapse into bad habits or vices from a state of virtue, religious faith, etc

Other Word Forms

• backslider noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backslide¹

First recorded in 1575–85; back ² + slide

Example Sentences

Such remarks have left some longtime observers worried that the department is backsliding to the days when department leaders tolerated pervasive and excessive use of force.

From Los Angeles Times

Not that we need much of a reminder, but we are presently backsliding into the future in a way that makes the technocracy Scott introduced in 1979 more plausible than ever.

From Salon

There is confrontation and denial, improvements followed by backslides.

From Salon

Partisan polarization and voter alienation are key symptoms of worldwide democratic backsliding.

From Salon

Even as these hard-fought rights have been backsliding in recent years as more states have moved to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Takei remains hopeful.

From Los Angeles Times