hollow-back: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/medical, specialized sports
Quick answer
What does “hollow-back” mean?
A physical condition characterized by an excessive inward curvature of the lower spine (lordosis), often causing the buttocks to protrude and the abdomen to push forward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physical condition characterized by an excessive inward curvature of the lower spine (lordosis), often causing the buttocks to protrude and the abdomen to push forward.
In gymnastics and dance, a specific arched body position where the back is deeply curved. Metaphorically, it can refer to structural weakness or lack of substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term in medical and sports contexts. British English may show slightly more usage in equestrian descriptions (horse conformation).
Connotations
Neutral in professional contexts; can carry negative connotations when describing posture in everyday language.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in specialist literature or training.
Grammar
How to Use “hollow-back” in a Sentence
have a hollow-backdiagnose with hollow-backperform a hollow-backexaggerated hollow-backVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hollow-back” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The coach told her not to hollow-back during the lift.
- He tends to hollow-back when he stands for long periods.
American English
- Avoid hollow-backing your spine during the deadlift.
- The dancer hollow-backed dramatically for the finale.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'The company's strategy had a hollow-back, lacking core support.'
Academic
Used in kinesiology, sports science, anatomy, and physiotherapy papers.
Everyday
Very rare in general conversation. Might be used by individuals with postural issues or in fitness communities.
Technical
Standard term in medical diagnostics, physical therapy, gymnastics, diving, and dance coaching.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hollow-back”
- Writing as one word ('hollowback') or two words without a hyphen ('hollow back'), which is less standard. Using it to describe upper back curvature (kyphosis).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in medical terminology, 'hollow-back' is a lay term for excessive lumbar lordosis. 'Hyperlordosis' is the more precise clinical term.
Often, yes. Through targeted exercises (like pelvic tilts, core strengthening), postural awareness, and sometimes physical therapy or braces, depending on severity.
No. A natural, slight lumbar curve is normal and healthy. The term 'hollow-back' typically refers to an excessive, problematic curvature that causes pain or dysfunction.
In posture terms, a 'flat back' (reduced lumbar curve) or 'kyphosis' (excessive outward curve of the upper back).
A physical condition characterized by an excessive inward curvature of the lower spine (lordosis), often causing the buttocks to protrude and the abdomen to push forward.
Hollow-back is usually technical/medical, specialized sports in register.
Hollow-back: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒləʊ bæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːloʊ bæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built on a hollow-back (metaphorical for weak foundation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOLLOW tree trunk that's been carved out in the middle—a 'hollow-back' is a spine that curves inward creating a hollow space in the lower back.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF SUPPORT/STRENGTH IS HOLLOWNESS; A CURVED SHAPE IS AN ARCH.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'hollow-back' LEAST likely to be used?