Breaking back means to recover from a difficult situation or to regain one's position after a setback. The antonyms for breaking back are losing ground, falling behind, surrendering ground, giving up the struggle, and retreating. These words suggest a lack of progress or a failure to maintain one's gains. Losing ground means losing one's advantage or progress made in a particular area. Falling behind implies being outpaced or struggling to keep up with others. Surrendering ground suggests conceding defeat or losing territory. Giving up the struggle and retreating both indicate failing to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.