fallback

[fawl-bak]

noun

1. an act or instance of falling back.

2. something or someone to turn or return to, especially for help or as an alternative.

   His teaching experience would be a fallback if the business failed.

adjective

1. Also fall-back of or designating something kept in reserve or as an alternative.

   The negotiators agreed on a fallback position.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fallback¹

1750–60, noun, adj. use of verb phrase fall back

Example Sentences

“When that route fails, there is no fallback. That is the weakness we keep seeing play out.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With qualification still to be earned for Euro 2028, two spots held in reserve for host countries gives the four home nations a fallback option if required.

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If he wants to struggle financially though life, that’s not my issue, but I’m also closing the wallet on being the fallback plan.

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Skepticism, I should note, is generally a fallback position for me.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There was no fallback plan — just a willingness to be vulnerable and responsive.

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Related Words

• contingency