# fallback

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfɔːl.bæk/ · frequency rank #43,636

## Definitions
1. An act of falling back.
2. A backup plan or contingency strategy; an alternative which can be used if something goes wrong with the main plan; a recourse.
3. A reduction in bitumen softening point, sometimes called refluxing or overheating, in a relatively closed container.
4. Pulverised material that falls back to earth after a nuclear explosion; fallout.

## Etymology
From the verb fall back.

## Easily confused with
- **fullback** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/fallback-vs-fullback)
- **fallacy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/fallacy-vs-fallback)

## Common misspellings (11)
`afllback`, `falback`, `falblack`, `fallabck`, `fallbacck`, `fallbackk`, `fallbakc`, `fallbback`, `fallbcak`, `ffallback`, `flalback`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/fallback