fallback

American  

[fawl-bak] / ˈfɔlˌbæk /

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.

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adjective

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

   The negotiators agreed on a fallback position.

Etymology

Origin of fallback

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

Example Sentences

In moments of doubt, Sophia has considered a fallback plan, which was to get a certification in AI prompt writing.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From BBC

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.

From MarketWatch

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contingency