Backslides

To backslide means to revert to a previous, often worse, state or set of behaviors, particularly after making progress or improving. This term frequently applies to moral or religious contexts, signifying a lapse in faith, a return to undesirable habits (like drug use or gambling), or a decline in ethical conduct. It suggests a weakening of commitment and a departure from a chosen path of self-improvement or discipline. The act of backsliding implies a loss of the ground previously gained, leading to a regression in personal growth or adherence to established principles.

Backslides meaning with examples

• After six months of sobriety, John began spending time with his old drinking buddies. He was initially resistant but soon found himself backsliding, and a single beer led to a relapse into heavy drinking. His family was very disappointed as it had become difficult for him to maintain this progress after so much hard work.
• The company, after showing initial commitment to sustainable practices, began backsliding when faced with the high costs of implementing green technologies. Profit margins took precedence over ethical considerations, leading to a decline in their environmental efforts and a negative perception in the public eye.
• Initially, the student showed great promise, but his academic performance started backsliding after he began prioritizing social activities over his studies. His grades declined, and he struggled to meet the expectations set by himself and the school.
• In the heated negotiations, the peacekeepers felt the fragile peace was backsliding as both sides began making inflammatory statements and reinstating military build ups on their borders. The hard-won progress toward resolving the conflict seemed to evaporate, and the threat of renewed violence loomed.