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Backslide

A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.

📖 Definitions of "Backslide"

noun

1
A backward regression; a reverting back to a worse state.
2
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; later popularly called the moonwalk.

verb

1
To regress; to slip backwards or revert to a previous, worse state.
"He felt better for a little while, before his condition started to backslide."
2
To shirk responsibility; to renege on one's obligations or commitments.
"Rich countries are backsliding on their commitment to agree to new WTO measures to help people in poor countries gain access to affordable medicines. — Oxfam press release, 24 June 2002"

1 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
lapsenoun	A temporary failure; a slip.

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
lapseverb	A temporary failure; a slip.
relapseverb	(intransitive, informal, specifically) To return to a vice, especially self-harm or alcoholism, failing to maintain abstinence.
revertverb	To throw back; to reflect; to reverberate.
retrogressverb	(intransitive) To return to an earlier, simpler or worse condition; to regress.
retrograde	Directed or moving backwards in relation to the normal or previous direction of travel; retreating.
regressnoun	The act of passing back; passage back; return; retrogression.
go backwardsverb	To decline or deteriorate; to get worse.
backstepnoun	A step backwards
retrocedeverb	(intransitive) To go back.
throw backverb	(transitive) To drink quickly, especially alcoholic beverages.
set backverb	(transitive) To delay or obstruct.
recedeverb	To move back; to retreat; to withdraw.
backrollverb	To revert something to its previous state
retreatnoun	The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
roll backverb	(transitive) To return to a prior state.
fall backverb	To retreat.
draw backverb	to withdraw from an undertaking
slip back to old waysverb	(idiomatic) to return to past bad habits
turn backverb	(intransitive) To reverse direction and retrace one's steps.
backpedalnoun	An act of backpedalling (in any sense).