What do you call a plan that's an alternative plan in case your initial plan fails? Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara Planned maintenance scheduled April 17/18, 2019 at 00:00UTC (8:00pm US/Eastern)opposite meaning of the word timelythe feeling you get sometimes in someone's weddingWhat is the term for a backup plan that will help you beat any critic?What do you call the “technique” of putting the right amount of syllables in a verse?What do you call the act of removing a part of a word and replacing it with an apostropheWhat do you call a close interaction with someone, but not intimate?What do you call a syllable that makes a snake-like sound?What do you call the container where you extract cow milk into?Is there an adjective that means “fly, floats and travels in the air”?Words invented or redefined by one person
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What do you call a plan that's an alternative plan in case your initial plan fails?
Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Planned maintenance scheduled April 17/18, 2019 at 00:00UTC (8:00pm US/Eastern)opposite meaning of the word timelythe feeling you get sometimes in someone's weddingWhat is the term for a backup plan that will help you beat any critic?What do you call the “technique” of putting the right amount of syllables in a verse?What do you call the act of removing a part of a word and replacing it with an apostropheWhat do you call a close interaction with someone, but not intimate?What do you call a syllable that makes a snake-like sound?What do you call the container where you extract cow milk into?Is there an adjective that means “fly, floats and travels in the air”?Words invented or redefined by one person
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I think there's a word or an adjective for it, but I don't remember what it was. I don't want to say plan B, because that's too informal, but I remember there was a good word for it. I just don't remember it anymore.
For example:
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general
had to rely on his ___ plan.
word-request
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
add a comment |
I think there's a word or an adjective for it, but I don't remember what it was. I don't want to say plan B, because that's too informal, but I remember there was a good word for it. I just don't remember it anymore.
For example:
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general
had to rely on his ___ plan.
word-request
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
24
As a footnote, I found Plan B listed in four dictionaries, and none of them listed it asinformal,colloquial, orslang. (There’s nothing wrong with asking for synonyms, but it may not be as informal as you seem to think it is.)
– J.R.♦
Apr 13 at 20:02
FWIW, I think "backup plan" is more commonplace (at least here in the US) than "fallback plan". Both are acceptable and likely as easily understood by native English speakers pretty much anywhere, but I figured it was worth noting that backup plan seems to be more common. This Google Ngram shows first usage of "backup" in 1958 vs "fallback" in 1964, with backup being ~10x more popular.
– Doktor J
yesterday
add a comment |
I think there's a word or an adjective for it, but I don't remember what it was. I don't want to say plan B, because that's too informal, but I remember there was a good word for it. I just don't remember it anymore.
For example:
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general
had to rely on his ___ plan.
word-request
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
I think there's a word or an adjective for it, but I don't remember what it was. I don't want to say plan B, because that's too informal, but I remember there was a good word for it. I just don't remember it anymore.
For example:
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general
had to rely on his ___ plan.
word-request
word-request
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
asked Apr 13 at 16:23
frbsfokfrbsfok
1,012423
1,012423
24
As a footnote, I found Plan B listed in four dictionaries, and none of them listed it asinformal,colloquial, orslang. (There’s nothing wrong with asking for synonyms, but it may not be as informal as you seem to think it is.)
– J.R.♦
Apr 13 at 20:02
FWIW, I think "backup plan" is more commonplace (at least here in the US) than "fallback plan". Both are acceptable and likely as easily understood by native English speakers pretty much anywhere, but I figured it was worth noting that backup plan seems to be more common. This Google Ngram shows first usage of "backup" in 1958 vs "fallback" in 1964, with backup being ~10x more popular.
– Doktor J
yesterday
add a comment |
24
As a footnote, I found Plan B listed in four dictionaries, and none of them listed it asinformal,colloquial, orslang. (There’s nothing wrong with asking for synonyms, but it may not be as informal as you seem to think it is.)
– J.R.♦
Apr 13 at 20:02
FWIW, I think "backup plan" is more commonplace (at least here in the US) than "fallback plan". Both are acceptable and likely as easily understood by native English speakers pretty much anywhere, but I figured it was worth noting that backup plan seems to be more common. This Google Ngram shows first usage of "backup" in 1958 vs "fallback" in 1964, with backup being ~10x more popular.
– Doktor J
yesterday
24
24
As a footnote, I found Plan B listed in four dictionaries, and none of them listed it as
informal, colloquial, or slang. (There’s nothing wrong with asking for synonyms, but it may not be as informal as you seem to think it is.)– J.R.♦
Apr 13 at 20:02
As a footnote, I found Plan B listed in four dictionaries, and none of them listed it as
informal, colloquial, or slang. (There’s nothing wrong with asking for synonyms, but it may not be as informal as you seem to think it is.)– J.R.♦
Apr 13 at 20:02
FWIW, I think "backup plan" is more commonplace (at least here in the US) than "fallback plan". Both are acceptable and likely as easily understood by native English speakers pretty much anywhere, but I figured it was worth noting that backup plan seems to be more common. This Google Ngram shows first usage of "backup" in 1958 vs "fallback" in 1964, with backup being ~10x more popular.
– Doktor J
yesterday
FWIW, I think "backup plan" is more commonplace (at least here in the US) than "fallback plan". Both are acceptable and likely as easily understood by native English speakers pretty much anywhere, but I figured it was worth noting that backup plan seems to be more common. This Google Ngram shows first usage of "backup" in 1958 vs "fallback" in 1964, with backup being ~10x more popular.
– Doktor J
yesterday
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
The Oxford Dictionary has
fallback
NOUN
1 An alternative plan that may be used in an emergency.
Make sure you have a fallback plan in case something goes terribly wrong
So the sentence can be
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general had to rely on his fallback plan.
In the context, this is particularly apt.
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
24
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
2
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
2
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
1
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
5
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
add a comment |
That's often called a backup plan:
He was used as a backup plan when the remaining members of the gang failed to accomplish their mission.
This usage is also mentioned in Merriam-Webster's definition for backup:
1 a: one that serves as a substitute or support
// I brought an extra pencil for backup.
// a backup plan
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
1
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
1
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
1
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
1
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
1
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
|
show 4 more comments
That could also be called a contingency or a contingency plan. The Oxford Living Dictionaries gives sense 1.1 under noun as :
A provision for a possible event or circumstance.
"stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade"
The process of developing one or several alternate plans is often called contingency planning.
Dictionary.com gives as an example:
Turkey has cooperated at times with Israel and the West on contingency planning for Syria during its civil war. (Israel Bombs Gaza While Hamas’ Kidnapping Mastermind Sits in Turkey|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST)
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
add a comment |
For military purposes, it's Contingency Plan. This is the accepted term as taught in all leadership and mission planning courses, from Basic training to NCO Academy. The terms 'Backup Plan' and 'Fallback Plan' are NEVER used, since they have a negative connotation much in the same vein as 'Retreat'.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
5
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The Oxford Dictionary has
fallback
NOUN
1 An alternative plan that may be used in an emergency.
Make sure you have a fallback plan in case something goes terribly wrong
So the sentence can be
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general had to rely on his fallback plan.
In the context, this is particularly apt.
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
24
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
2
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
2
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
1
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
5
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
add a comment |
The Oxford Dictionary has
fallback
NOUN
1 An alternative plan that may be used in an emergency.
Make sure you have a fallback plan in case something goes terribly wrong
So the sentence can be
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general had to rely on his fallback plan.
In the context, this is particularly apt.
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
24
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
2
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
2
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
1
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
5
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
add a comment |
The Oxford Dictionary has
fallback
NOUN
1 An alternative plan that may be used in an emergency.
Make sure you have a fallback plan in case something goes terribly wrong
So the sentence can be
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general had to rely on his fallback plan.
In the context, this is particularly apt.
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
The Oxford Dictionary has
fallback
NOUN
1 An alternative plan that may be used in an emergency.
Make sure you have a fallback plan in case something goes terribly wrong
So the sentence can be
The army was flanked by the enemies unexpectedly so that the general had to rely on his fallback plan.
In the context, this is particularly apt.
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
answered Apr 13 at 19:10
Weather VaneWeather Vane
5,2101618
5,2101618
24
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
2
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
2
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
1
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
5
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
add a comment |
24
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
2
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
2
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
1
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
5
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
24
24
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
"Backup" is one I hear used a lot as well, i.e. "Luckily, he had a backup plan."
– Riker
Apr 14 at 1:39
2
2
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
Sorry, but 'fallback' is a bad choice for this example, since it implies that it involves a retreat of some sort, which is inappropriate at best.
– Mike Brockington
2 days ago
2
2
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
@MikeBrockington You mean, because it sounds like "fall back", its meaning is the same? I disagree.
– Mr Lister
2 days ago
1
1
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
Sometimes "backup" isn't an emergency plan at all but part of the main plan, that is, support.
– Weather Vane
2 days ago
5
5
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
As a native speaker in the US, this may be a valid word to use but it's rarely used. A backup plan is MUCH more common.
– JeffC
2 days ago
add a comment |
That's often called a backup plan:
He was used as a backup plan when the remaining members of the gang failed to accomplish their mission.
This usage is also mentioned in Merriam-Webster's definition for backup:
1 a: one that serves as a substitute or support
// I brought an extra pencil for backup.
// a backup plan
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
1
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
1
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
1
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
1
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
1
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
|
show 4 more comments
That's often called a backup plan:
He was used as a backup plan when the remaining members of the gang failed to accomplish their mission.
This usage is also mentioned in Merriam-Webster's definition for backup:
1 a: one that serves as a substitute or support
// I brought an extra pencil for backup.
// a backup plan
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
1
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
1
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
1
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
1
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
1
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
|
show 4 more comments
That's often called a backup plan:
He was used as a backup plan when the remaining members of the gang failed to accomplish their mission.
This usage is also mentioned in Merriam-Webster's definition for backup:
1 a: one that serves as a substitute or support
// I brought an extra pencil for backup.
// a backup plan
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
That's often called a backup plan:
He was used as a backup plan when the remaining members of the gang failed to accomplish their mission.
This usage is also mentioned in Merriam-Webster's definition for backup:
1 a: one that serves as a substitute or support
// I brought an extra pencil for backup.
// a backup plan
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
edited 2 days ago
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
answered Apr 13 at 16:27
GlorfindelGlorfindel
6,214112841
6,214112841
1
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
1
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
1
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
1
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
1
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
|
show 4 more comments
1
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
1
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
1
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
1
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
1
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
1
1
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
I don't think backup plan is the most used term.
– Kelly Thomas
Apr 14 at 9:04
1
1
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
That surprises me, but check this graph. It only runs to 2008, and the growth of 'backup plan' might have been halted, but I'm really curious what the frequency nowadays is.
– Glorfindel
Apr 14 at 13:02
1
1
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
I think the term "backup" gained a lot more technical meaning and it simply sounds like something a server administrator does.
– Nelson
2 days ago
1
1
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
@DoctorPenguin yeah I have never heard anyone say "fallback" plan but loads having a backup plan.
– WendyG
2 days ago
1
1
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
Yes, backup plan is the most common in American English: english-corpora.org/coca/?c=coca&q=74949944
– snailboat♦
yesterday
|
show 4 more comments
That could also be called a contingency or a contingency plan. The Oxford Living Dictionaries gives sense 1.1 under noun as :
A provision for a possible event or circumstance.
"stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade"
The process of developing one or several alternate plans is often called contingency planning.
Dictionary.com gives as an example:
Turkey has cooperated at times with Israel and the West on contingency planning for Syria during its civil war. (Israel Bombs Gaza While Hamas’ Kidnapping Mastermind Sits in Turkey|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST)
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
add a comment |
That could also be called a contingency or a contingency plan. The Oxford Living Dictionaries gives sense 1.1 under noun as :
A provision for a possible event or circumstance.
"stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade"
The process of developing one or several alternate plans is often called contingency planning.
Dictionary.com gives as an example:
Turkey has cooperated at times with Israel and the West on contingency planning for Syria during its civil war. (Israel Bombs Gaza While Hamas’ Kidnapping Mastermind Sits in Turkey|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST)
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
add a comment |
That could also be called a contingency or a contingency plan. The Oxford Living Dictionaries gives sense 1.1 under noun as :
A provision for a possible event or circumstance.
"stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade"
The process of developing one or several alternate plans is often called contingency planning.
Dictionary.com gives as an example:
Turkey has cooperated at times with Israel and the West on contingency planning for Syria during its civil war. (Israel Bombs Gaza While Hamas’ Kidnapping Mastermind Sits in Turkey|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST)
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
That could also be called a contingency or a contingency plan. The Oxford Living Dictionaries gives sense 1.1 under noun as :
A provision for a possible event or circumstance.
"stores were kept as a contingency against a blockade"
The process of developing one or several alternate plans is often called contingency planning.
Dictionary.com gives as an example:
Turkey has cooperated at times with Israel and the West on contingency planning for Syria during its civil war. (Israel Bombs Gaza While Hamas’ Kidnapping Mastermind Sits in Turkey|Eli Lake|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST)
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
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edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
edited yesterday
Michael Rybkin
27.5k11112242
27.5k11112242
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
answered Apr 13 at 20:05
David SiegelDavid Siegel
2,708215
2,708215
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For military purposes, it's Contingency Plan. This is the accepted term as taught in all leadership and mission planning courses, from Basic training to NCO Academy. The terms 'Backup Plan' and 'Fallback Plan' are NEVER used, since they have a negative connotation much in the same vein as 'Retreat'.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
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2
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
5
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
add a comment |
For military purposes, it's Contingency Plan. This is the accepted term as taught in all leadership and mission planning courses, from Basic training to NCO Academy. The terms 'Backup Plan' and 'Fallback Plan' are NEVER used, since they have a negative connotation much in the same vein as 'Retreat'.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
5
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
add a comment |
For military purposes, it's Contingency Plan. This is the accepted term as taught in all leadership and mission planning courses, from Basic training to NCO Academy. The terms 'Backup Plan' and 'Fallback Plan' are NEVER used, since they have a negative connotation much in the same vein as 'Retreat'.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
For military purposes, it's Contingency Plan. This is the accepted term as taught in all leadership and mission planning courses, from Basic training to NCO Academy. The terms 'Backup Plan' and 'Fallback Plan' are NEVER used, since they have a negative connotation much in the same vein as 'Retreat'.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
answered Apr 14 at 11:16
Michael BellMichael Bell
28112
28112
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Michael Bell is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
2
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
5
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
add a comment |
2
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
5
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
2
2
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
Great answer, especially since the Q has a military example.
– Xen2050
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
As do "Abort" and "Surrender". But consider also "Auftragstaktik" borrowed from the German. Only used in very educated circles.
– mckenzm
2 days ago
5
5
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
Not just a negative connotation but also could lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity. "Fallback!" is a pretty clear order to do a pretty clear thing - you don't want a commander telling people to go to the "fallback" plan and have people start running away because they misheard the context. Same reason air traffic control never use the word "takeoff" unless they are telling someone they are clear for takeoff - you don't want someone hearing the word and thinking they've been told to do something they've not.
– J...
2 days ago
add a comment |
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24
As a footnote, I found Plan B listed in four dictionaries, and none of them listed it as
informal,colloquial, orslang. (There’s nothing wrong with asking for synonyms, but it may not be as informal as you seem to think it is.)– J.R.♦
Apr 13 at 20:02
FWIW, I think "backup plan" is more commonplace (at least here in the US) than "fallback plan". Both are acceptable and likely as easily understood by native English speakers pretty much anywhere, but I figured it was worth noting that backup plan seems to be more common. This Google Ngram shows first usage of "backup" in 1958 vs "fallback" in 1964, with backup being ~10x more popular.
– Doktor J
yesterday