# fallback

/ˈfɔɫˌbæk/ (US) · /fˈɔːlbæk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fallback
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a backup plan you can use when your first plan does not work.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

backup, alternative, contingency

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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.