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

The landlocked Central Asian country was once seen as the most democratic in the region, but Japarov has been criticised for backsliding since he came to power after a revolution in 2020.

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But the north African nation has since seen democratic backsliding and the re-imposition of aspects of authoritarian rule.

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Among the zaniness there’s an emotional arc, a dance of personal growth and backsliding, and depending on what the scene requires, he might be the dumbest guy in the room or the wisest.

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This backsliding flies in the face of how much progress has been made to stop people from dying needlessly.

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Environmentalists called that backsliding; Newsom called it realism, given the impending refinery closures in the state that threaten to drive up gas prices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times