slipped back
Returned to worse
To slip back is to return to a previous state or condition, usually an undesirable one.
Someone recovering from addiction might slip back into old habits.
A patient who was improving might slip back overnight.
The phrase suggests gradual or unintended regression rather than deliberate retreat: After years of progress, the country slipped back into authoritarianism.
- regressedReturned to earlier state
- fellTo chop down
- relapsedReturned to worse state
- falteredLost momentum or confidence
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
slide · declined · stagnated · stumble · succumbed · caved in · diminished · eroded · faded away · backslid · returned · reverted · degraded · failed · weakened · withdrew · relived · lost ground
slipped backadvanced
Far along in development
progressed · moved forward · forged ahead · climbed · improved
slipped backstabilized
Made steady or constant
dug in · kept up · held on · stood fast · persevered
slip, slipped, slipping, slips, slipper, slippers, slippery, back, backs