Word
backtrack
Phoneticsback·track, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbækˌtɹæk/
UK/bˈæktɹæk/
Definition
v. to go back to a previous place or time. In aviation, it means a pilot has to fly back to the airport because of a problem.
v. to return to a previous position, time, or state. In an aviation context, it refers to the act of reversing course to return to the departure airport due to an emergency or mechanical failure.
Examples
“The pilot had to backtrack because of the storm.”
“After the engine failed shortly after takeoff, the pilot decided to backtrack to the airport for a safe landing.”
“The flight crew was forced to backtrack toward the coast as the weather system rapidly deteriorated, leaving them with no other safe option for an emergency landing.”
Examples
simple
“The pilot had to backtrack because of the storm.”
contextual
“After the engine failed shortly after takeoff, the pilot decided to backtrack to the airport for a safe landing.”
complex
“The flight crew was forced to backtrack toward the coast as the weather system rapidly deteriorated, leaving them with no other safe option for an emergency landing.”
Real-World Examples
“What erodes trust is vagueness, backtracking and the sense that someone is managing you rather than leveling with you.” “He hesitates, smiles sheepishly, backtracks and gabbles to fill the silence.” Etymology
From back + track.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/backtrack