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

In power since 2012, the Georgian Dream party has faced accusations of democratic backsliding, drifting towards Russia and derailing Georgia's EU-membership bid, which is enshrined in the country's constitution.

Read more on Barron's

Georgian Dream has faced accusations of democratic backsliding, drifting towards Russia and derailing Georgia's EU-membership bid enshrined in the country's constitution -- allegations the party rejects.

Read more on Barron's

Meanwhile, Canada is backsliding on its carbon commitments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

LGBTQ+ candidates have been motivated to run for political office across the country by recent backsliding on queer rights nationally, but also by local issues important to their communities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The concept of "democratic backsliding" and whether it's happening in the United States, however, does not have to rely on fraught debates referencing the rise of 20th Century fascism.

Read more on BBC