backsliding
/'bæk'slaidiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The student's backsliding in his studies was evident from his recent test scores.
Definition
- Noun:
- A relapse into previous undesirable behavior or a lower moral state: "Backsliding" refers to the act of reverting to old, typically worse, habits or standards after a period of improvement or reform. It implies a failure to maintain progress or a higher state of conduct.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
Advanced Usage
- "a backsliding into...": used to specify the area or type of behavior one reverts to.
- Conceptual use to describe regression in non-moral contexts, such as skills or progress.
Variants and Related Words
- Backslide (verb): To relapse into bad habits or error.
- Backslider (noun): A person who backslides.
Synonyms
- Relapse: A return to a former state, especially of illness or bad behavior.
- Regression: A return to a former or less developed state.
- Recidivism: The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend (a more formal, specific synonym often used in legal contexts).
- Lapse: A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment.
Antonyms
- Progress: Forward or onward movement toward a destination or goal.
- Reformation: The action or process of reforming an institution or practice.
- Improvement: The action of making or becoming better.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To fall off the wagon": An informal idiom specifically meaning to start drinking alcohol again after a period of abstinence; a type of backsliding.
- "To revert to type": To return to one's usual behavior, especially when it is undesirable.
The student's backsliding in his studies was evident from his recent test scores.
Noun
- a failure to maintain a higher state