Word
fallback
Phoneticsfall·back, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɫˌbæk/
UK/fˈɔːlbæk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a backup plan you can use when your first plan does not work.
n. a backup plan or alternative put in place for use when the primary option fails or is unavailable.
Examples
“We keep a simple fallback in case the power fails.”
“The team prepares a fallback venue in case rain cancels the outdoor concert.”
“When the primary server crashes during peak sales, the store switches to a lightweight fallback that preserves orders until full service returns.”
Examples
simple
“We keep a simple fallback in case the power fails.”
contextual
“The team prepares a fallback venue in case rain cancels the outdoor concert.”
complex
“When the primary server crashes during peak sales, the store switches to a lightweight fallback that preserves orders until full service returns.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fallback” in context.
Verb
01. have fallback
“Smart travellers always have a fallback for cancelled flights.”
verb + noun
02. need fallback
“If the wifi fails, we will need a fallback to continue.”
verb + noun
03. provide fallback
“This battery pack will provide a fallback during blackouts.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. automatic fallback
“The system switches to automatic fallback during a power cut.”
adj + noun
05. handy fallback
“A bike is a handy fallback when buses are on strike.”
adj + noun
06. reliable fallback
“We need a reliable fallback if the main server goes down.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. fallback option
“Working from home is a good fallback option for us.”
noun + noun
08. fallback plan
“Every event needs a solid fallback plan for bad weather.”
noun + noun
09. fallback position
“The army retreated to its fallback position on the hill.”
noun + noun
10. have a fallback plan
“Always have a fallback plan in case your first idea fails.”
11. need a reliable fallback
“Small businesses need a reliable fallback for internet outages.”
12. no fallback in place
“They started the hike with no fallback in place.”
Etymology
From the verb fall back.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- 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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