backslide
nounEtymology From back + slide.
1
A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.
backslide
verbEtymology From back + slide.
1
To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.
- He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide.
- […] Monna Brigida, who had backslided into false hair in Romola's absence, but now drew it off again and declared she would not mind being gray, if her dear child would stay with her.1893, George Eliot, “Meeting Again”, in Romola, volume III, page 233:
1 more example
- Despite backsliding in various parts of the globe, there's a very clear trend towards the decentralisation of governments.1997, J. J. King, quoting Kevin Kelly, “The Right Connections: Tea with Kevin Kelly”, in Mute, volume 1, number 8, →ISSN:
2
To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.
- Rich countries are backsliding on their commitment to agree to new WTO measures to help people in poor countries gain access to affordable medicines.2002 June 24, “Rich countries backsliding on WTO commitments on drug patent rules says Oxfam International”, in Oxfam America, archived from the original on 12 Jun 2007:
3
Christianity To revert back into a life of sin after being saved.
- Derived terms
- backslider, backsliding