diff --git a/app/assets/javascripts/discourse/app/lib/autocomplete.js b/app/assets/javascripts/discourse/app/lib/autocomplete.js
index 99b77405a97..a041b11d481 100644
--- a/app/assets/javascripts/discourse/app/lib/autocomplete.js
+++ b/app/assets/javascripts/discourse/app/lib/autocomplete.js
@@ -580,7 +580,7 @@ export default function (options) {
       }
 
       // If we've backspaced past the beginning, cancel unless no key
-      if (cp <= completeStart && options.key) {
+      if (cp - 1 <= completeStart && options.key) {
         closeAutocomplete();
         return true;
       }