backward

[bak-werd]

adverb

1. toward the back or rear.

   Antonyms: forward

2. with the back foremost.

3. in the reverse of the usual or right way.

   counting backward from 100.

4. toward the past.

   to look backward over one's earlier mistakes.

5. toward a less advanced state; retrogressively.

   Since the overthrow of the president the country has moved steadily backward.

adjective

1. directed toward the back or past.

2. reversed; returning.

   a backward movement;

   a backward journey.

3. behind in time or progress; late; slow.

   a backward learner;

   a backward country.

   Synonyms: underdeveloped, retarded, tardy

4. bashful or hesitant; shy.

   a backward lover.

   Synonyms: retiring, timid, disinclined

backward

/ ˈbækwəd /

adjective

1. (usually prenominal) directed towards the rear

   a backward glance

2. retarded in physical, material, or intellectual development

   backward countries

   a backward child

3. 1. of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary

   2. ( in combination )

      backward-looking

4. reluctant or bashful

   a backward lover

5. chess (of a pawn) behind neighbouring pawns and unable to be supported by them

adverb

1. a variant of backwards

Other Word Forms

• backwardly adverb
• backwardness noun
• unbackward adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of backward¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, backward is from the Middle English word bakwarde. See back ¹, -ward

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. backward and forward, thoroughly: Also backwards and forwards.

   He knew his lesson backward and forward.

More idioms and phrases containing backward

• bend over backward
• fall over (backwards)
• know like a book (backwards and forwards)

Example Sentences

Among the law’s loudest critics is the Teamsters union, which has said the law takes California “backward.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s chaotic. In terms of healthcare, it’s devastating… It feels like we’re taking so many steps backward.”

From Los Angeles Times

One video reviewed by The Times shows a supposed Burton wearing a backward hat and black T-shirt while sitting in a car.

From Los Angeles Times

On the face of it, this might seem a step backward.

From Los Angeles Times

A post on the MLB.com X account shows Alberto tossing the ball back and forth to Trout, who catches it with his bare hands while wearing his cap backward.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bashful 
• hesitant 
• shy