noun
fallback
FAWL-bak
noun
1
A backup plan or option to use if the main one fails.
"If the flight is cancelled, our fallback is to take the train."
adjective
1
Serving as a backup option.
"The generator is our fallback power source during outages."
How to Use Fallback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA plan B — something you can rely on if your first choice doesn't work out.
Common pairings
fallback plan
fallback option
as a fallback
Word Forms
fallbacks plural
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If the flight is cancelled, our _____ is to take the train.
Etymology
From the phrasal verb fall back, meaning to retreat to a secondary position.