# back out of

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/back-out-of
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to decide not to do something you previously agreed to do.

For teachers: to withdraw from a commitment, agreement, or arrangement before it is completed; typically used when the withdrawal is seen as a failure to fulfill an obligation.

## Examples

- He decided to back out of the deal at the last minute.
- The company had to back out of the sponsorship agreement due to unexpected financial losses.
- Although the treaty had been signed in principle, several nations threatened to back out of the climate accord unless specific carbon targets were renegotiated.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She backed out the wedding." but "She backed out of the wedding." — the preposition 'of' is mandatory to connect the phrasal verb to the object.

## Usage notes

- always followed by an object, usually a noun representing a plan, deal, or promise.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'withdraw' (more formal) and 'cancel' (more general); 'back out of' implies a physical or metaphorical retreat from a path already started.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.