backsliding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'backsliding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is regressing, or reverting to a less desirable behavior or state. For example: After months of maintaining good grades, the student started backsliding and her grades began to suffer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until recently the EU was negotiating "deep and comprehensive" free-trade agreements with just two neighbours: Ukraine, even though it has been backsliding on civil liberties, and Libya.Europe's neighbourhood policy is a sort of enlargement-lite.

The Economist

Romania and Bulgaria have been backsliding ever since they joined the EU in January, and yet there have been only mild complaints from Brussels, which has lost the leverage that it had before the two countries' entry.

The Economist

Mr Putin wants to protect Russian industries from external competition, including by increasing subsidies to farmers.The WTO should resist that, and keep sounding the alarm at signs of G20 backsliding.

The Economist

The answer to the puzzle seems to be that disadvantaged mothers, and in particular teen mothers, are more likely to give birth in the winter.Teen pregnancy tends not to be good for mother or child, which makes this a little distressing:[W]hen it comes to teenage births, the United States is backsliding.

The Economist

But it also promises to maintain defence spending at the 2% of GDP demanded by NATO, an issue on which the Tory-led coalition government has been accused of backsliding.

The Economist

In others, it is hoped, reformist officials will use the OGP's help and the publicity it gives to spur backsliding colleagues to do better.

The Economist

François Hollande, the French president, seen in Athens as more sympathetic to struggling Greeks than Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has warned against backsliding.

The Economist

And it has also exasperated the EU by backsliding on promised improvements to the judiciary and legal system.

The Economist

According to the euro-weakness theory, the single currency fell against both sterling and the dollar last year because euro-zone economies grew disappointingly slowly, and euro-zone politicians looked like they were backsliding on reform.

The Economist

If she had wanted to push ahead, plenty of areas energy, retailing and professional services, where Germany has some of the OECD's most protectionist regulations are ripe for reform.Not north v south but reform v laggardEurope's biggest economy is backsliding, and that sets a terrible example.

The Economist

But, at the very least, the Geneva deal ought to stop the Europeans backsliding on their reforms and also ought to force changes to America's grotesque farm subsidies.The negotiators' sights, however, should be set much higher.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backsliding" to describe a situation where there's a clear decline from a previously achieved state or standard, particularly in moral, political, or economic contexts. For example, "The country is backsliding on its commitment to environmental protection."

Common error

Avoid using "backsliding" when there's simply a lack of forward movement. "Backsliding" implies an actual regression from a prior, more advanced state, not just a standstill. For instance, if a company's profits remain stagnant, it's not necessarily "backsliding" unless there was a previous period of growth.

Linguistic Context

The word "backsliding" functions primarily as a noun or a verb (specifically, a gerund or present participle). As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to describe the act of regressing to a worse state. It indicates a decline from a previously achieved standard or level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "backsliding" effectively describes a regression from a previously improved state, particularly in moral, political, or economic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. As such, using "backsliding" implies a decline from a former standard or level, often prompting concern or criticism. While acceptable in neutral and formal registers, it appears frequently in news and business contexts, like The Economist. To avoid misuse, remember that "backsliding" differs from stagnation; it specifically signifies a decline after prior progress. Alternatives like "relapsing", "regressing", and "deteriorating" provide nuanced variations depending on the context. Be mindful to use the term when describing an actual decline, not merely a lack of forward movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relapsing

Describes a return to a previous, less desirable state after a period of improvement.

regressing

Focuses on the act of returning to a less developed state.

reverting

Highlights a return to a former practice or belief.

declining

Emphasizes a gradual deterioration or loss of quality.

deteriorating

Implies a worsening condition or state.

slipping back

Suggests a gradual and often unnoticed return to a previous state.

lapsing

Indicates a temporary failure or decline from an established standard.

falling back

Describes a retreat from a previously held position or standard.

retrogressing

Focuses on moving backward, especially to a worse condition.

sliding backwards

Emphasizes the uncontrolled nature of the regression.

FAQs

How can I use "backsliding" in a sentence?

You can use "backsliding" to describe a decline from a previous state, such as: "The nation's educational standards are backsliding due to budget cuts." or "After initial progress, the peace talks are backsliding into conflict."

What are some alternatives to the word "backsliding"?

Alternatives include "relapsing", "regressing", "reverting", or "deteriorating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "backsliding" in formal writing?

Yes, "backsliding" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts like political science, economics, or sociology, where describing a regression from a previously achieved state is relevant.

What's the difference between "backsliding" and "stagnating"?

"Backsliding" implies a decline from a previous state of progress, while "stagnating" simply means there's no forward movement. If a country's economy isn't growing, it's stagnating; if it's shrinking after a period of growth, it's backsliding.