backslide

Definition

To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.

Etymology

From back + slide.

Example Sentences

• "He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide."
• "[…] Monna Brigida, who had backslided into false hair in Romola's absence, but now drew it off again and declared she would not mind being gray, if her dear child would stay with her."
• "Despite backsliding in various parts of the globe, there's a very clear trend towards the decentralisation of governments."