backslide

back-slide · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To relapse into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities after a period of improvement.

  2. 2.

    To revert to a previous, less advanced state or condition.

Related words

Antonyms: advance, improve, progress
See also: lapse, regress, relapse
Synonyms: fall back, lapse, regress, relapse

Etymology

From English back + slide, suggesting a sliding backward from progress or moral improvement.