backslide

Plural: backslides

Verb

• drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards
• To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.
• To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.
• To revert back into a life of sin after being saved.

Noun

• A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.
• A dance move in which the feet are alternately slid back and the heels lifted, giving the illusion of walking forwards while actually moving backwards.

Examples

• He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide.

Synonyms

lapse, moonwalk, retrograde