fallback

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A second plan or choice you can use if the first one fails or is not available.

   Grammar: Countable and usually with a: a fallback, or the fallback. Often followed by plan or option.

   Patterns

   • a fallback for something
   • have a fallback

   Our fallback is to hold the party indoors if it rains.

   She applied to a second college as a fallback.

   Having savings gave him a fallback if the business failed.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountablecomputing

   In computing, a default setting, font or system that takes over automatically when the usual one does not work.

   Grammar: Often a modifier in technical writing: fallback font, fallback server.

   Patterns

   • fallback to something

   The website uses a fallback font when the custom one cannot load.

   If the main server goes down, the traffic switches to a fallback.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Held ready to be used if the first choice does not work out.

   Grammar: Used only before a noun: a fallback position, a fallback plan.

   Patterns

   • a fallback plan
   • a fallback position

   The union kept a fallback position in case talks collapsed.

   Our fallback plan is to take the train.

Word forms

Common combinations

fallback plan

Every good project needs a fallback plan.

fallback option

Walking is our fallback option if the bus is cancelled.

fallback position

Their fallback position was to ask for a smaller raise.

as a fallback

She kept her old job as a fallback.

fall back on

When the money ran out, they had to fall back on their savings.

Synonyms and how they differ

backup

Backup is more common and can be a copy or helper, while fallback emphasizes a retreat to a second choice.

contingency

A contingency is a plan made for a possible problem, and it sounds more formal than fallback.

safety net

A safety net protects you from serious loss, whereas a fallback is just an alternative to use.

plan B

Plan B is informal and names the second plan itself, while fallback can also be a setting or position.

Opposites

Word family

fall back verb

to retreat, or to use something as a last resort

fall back on verb

to rely on something when other things fail

backup noun

something kept ready in case the main thing fails

Commonly confused: fallback or fall back? fallback or setback?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “fallback”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words