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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Austin admitted that because of the IT issue, staff resorted to using pens and paper as a fallback "so we can keep good records and keep track of patients".

From BBC

McDonald’s runs became the fallback, where they regularly ran into Cardinals players.

From Los Angeles Times

Eager to serve his premise regarding Dylan’s Jewishness, Freedman sometimes turns it into a flimsy fallback device.

From Los Angeles Times

As a fallback option, Alsup, an appointee of President Clinton, cited claims from people who rely on the National Park Service or on the Veteran Affairs, Defense, Energy, Agriculture, Interior and Treasury departments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contingency