verb

backtrack

BAK-trak

verb

To go back the way you came, retracing your own steps or route.

"We had to backtrack half a mile after realizing we'd missed the turnoff."

To reverse or withdraw an earlier statement, promise, or position.

"The senator backtracked on his campaign promise within a month of taking office."

"She backtracked after her comment sparked public outrage."

How to Use Backtrack

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo go back over ground you already covered, whether that's a physical path or something you already said.

Common mistake

Often used figuratively for changing your mind about a public statement, not just physical retracing.

Common pairings

backtrack on a promise backtrack and retrace quickly backtracked

backtracked past tense, backtracks plural, backtracks singular

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Can you complete this real example?

We had to _____ half a mile after realizing we'd missed the turnoff.

From back + track — literally to travel back over the same track or path.