noun
- a person who returns to bad habits or abandons religious faith after a period of improvement or devotion
Usage: often used in religious contexts
Examples
- The pastor was disappointed when several backsliders stopped attending church.
- After years of sobriety, he became a backslider and returned to drinking.
- The community welcomed the backslider back with open arms.
- She worried about becoming a backslider in her diet and exercise routine.
- The support group helped prevent members from becoming backsliders.
- Many backsliders eventually find their way back to their faith.