Backsliding

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈbækˌslaɪdɪŋ/

Definitions of backsliding

noun the act of reverting to bad habits or sinful behavior; lapsing in religious faith or moral standards

Example Sentences

A1 She was warned about the dangers of backsliding in her recovery.

A2 The student's backsliding in his grades was concerning to his teachers.

B1 The company experienced backsliding in their profits due to the economic downturn.

B2 The government's backsliding on environmental regulations sparked protests from activists.

C1 The athlete's backsliding in performance was attributed to a lack of training and focus.

C2 The country's backsliding on human rights issues drew criticism from international organizations.

Examples of backsliding in a Sentence

formal The government is concerned about the backsliding of economic reforms in the country.

informal She's been backsliding on her diet lately, indulging in too many sweets.

slang I can't believe he's backsliding on his promise to quit smoking.

figurative Their relationship was on the brink of backsliding before they sought counseling.

Grammatical Forms of backsliding

past tense

backslid

plural

backslidings

comparative

more backsliding

superlative

most backsliding

present tense

backslide

future tense

will backslide

perfect tense

have backslid

continuous tense

is backsliding

singular

backsliding

positive degree

backsliding

infinitive

to backslide

gerund

backsliding

participle

backsliding

Origin and Evolution of backsliding

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'backsliding' originated from the Old English word 'bæcslidan', which was a combination of 'bæc' meaning 'back' and 'slidan' meaning 'to slide'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to describe someone physically sliding or moving backward, the term 'backsliding' evolved over time to take on a more metaphorical meaning of reverting to previous behavior or beliefs, especially in a religious or moral context.