backtrack

verb
UK: /ˌbækˈtræk/
US: /ˈbækˌtræk/

  1. To go back the way you came.

    1. We had to backtrack because we missed our turn. [ ] [ ]
    2. If you backtrack now, all our work will have been for nothing, it's too late. [ ] [ ]

  2. To take back something you said or promised.

    1. He had to backtrack on his promise. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company had to backtrack after facing public criticism, and they apologized. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

retreat recede withdraw reverse take back back down
backtrack noun

  1. The act of going back the way you came.

    1. It was a long backtrack to the car. [ ] [ ]
    2. The backtrack from the summit was more dangerous than the climb up, due to icy conditions. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "backtrack" in English means: To go back the way you came., To take back something you said or promised..

The phonetic transcription of "backtrack" is /ˌbækˈtræk/ in British English and /ˈbækˌtræk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "backtrack": retreat, recede, withdraw, reverse, take back, back down.

Example usage of "backtrack": "We had to backtrack because we missed our turn.". More examples on the page.