backslidingness
|back-slid-ing-ness|
/ˈbæk.slɪ.dɪŋ.nəs/
slipping back (morally/spiritually)
Etymology
'backslidingness' originates from Modern English, specifically the compound 'backsliding' combined with the suffix '-ness', where 'back' ultimately comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'back' or 'rear', 'slide' from Old English 'slīdan' meaning 'to slide', and the suffix '-ness' from Old English '-nys' used to form abstract nouns.
'backslidingness' changed from Middle English verbal and nominal forms built on 'back' + 'slide' (e.g. Middle English 'backsliden' / 'backsliding') into the noun 'backsliding', and eventually the modern abstract noun 'backslidingness' was formed by adding the productive suffix '-ness' in Modern English.
Initially it referred more literally to 'the act of sliding back' or 'moving backward'; over time the term took on a figurative/moral sense and evolved into its current meaning of 'the tendency or state of reverting to prior (often morally worse) behavior or loss of faith.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state, tendency, or habit of reverting to earlier (usually worse) behaviour, practices, or conditions after improvement; relapse.
The pastor warned that the congregation must guard against backslidingness after months of renewed commitment.
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Noun 2
specifically in religious or moral contexts: the lapse from faith, principle, or moral standards; apostasy or moral deterioration.
The theologian described the backslidingness of certain believers during times of persecution.
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Last updated: 2025/12/27 10:14