fallback
Secondary option available
A fallback is something you turn to when the first choice fails or isn't available: a fallback plan, a fallback position.
In negotiations, your fallback is your acceptable alternative if you can't get what you want.
As an adjective, it describes backup options: We need a fallback strategy.
To fall back on something is to resort to it when needed.
Uncertain possible event
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- substituteReplacement for another
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- surrogateOne acting for another
stand-in · reserve · secondary · auxiliary · stopgap · makeshift · provisional · interim
Drag-creating descent device
- lifelineEssential connection to safety
- guardrailRoadside safety barrier
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
- netFinal amount remaining
buffer · safeguard · anchor · haven · refuge · fail-safe · protection · precaution
Sanctuary or withdrawal
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- regroupReassemble after dispersal
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- positionLocation or stance
rearguard · staging · rendezvous · stronghold · perimeter · fortification · rally · redoubt
Automatic backup system activation
- redundancyNeedless duplication
- serverOne who attends tables
- defaultPreset standard option
- cacheConcealed storage spot
recovery · restore · replication · switchover · downtime · uptime · resilience · mirroring
contingency
Uncertain possible event
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- substituteReplacement for another
- replacementWhat takes another's place
surrogate · stand-in · reserve · secondary · auxiliary · stopgap · makeshift · provisional · interim · temporary
parachute
Drag-creating descent device
- lifelineEssential connection to safety
- guardrailRoadside safety barrier
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
net · buffer · safeguard · anchor · haven · refuge · fail-safe · protection · precaution · ejection
retreat
Sanctuary or withdrawal
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- regroupReassemble after dispersal
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
position · rearguard · staging · rendezvous · stronghold · perimeter · fortification · rally · redoubt · garrison
failover
Automatic backup system activation
- redundancyNeedless duplication
- serverOne who attends tables
- defaultPreset standard option
cache · recovery · restore · replication · switchover · downtime · uptime · resilience · mirroring · clustering
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
- retreatwithdrawal, retreating, backing up, backing away, backing off
- safeguardssafeguards, safety valve, protections, kill switch, defenses
- leewaywiggle room, latitude, slack, margin, play
- safety netsrescue net, net, backstop, failsafe, backup plan
- scenariosbest-case, worst-case, hypothetical, what-if, best case
fallbackfirst choice
Most preferred option
top pick · priority · go-to · frontrunner · ideal
fallbackadvance
Move or progress forward
advancement · push forward · charge · offensive · forward march