backward

American  

[bak-werd] / ˈbæk wərd /

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

idioms

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

   He knew his lesson backward and forward.

backward British  

/ 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

backward More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing backward

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

---

Other Word Forms

• backwardly adverb
• backwardness noun
• unbackward adjective

Etymology

Origin of backward

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

Example Sentences

Our hometown—long known as ugly, backward, corrupt, dangerous, ill- mannered, poorly maintained and shoddily dressed—had lured into our yard a world-famous brand.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when officials took a closer look at the play, they deemed the throw to be a backward pass.

From The Wall Street Journal

The England captain opened the attack on Saturday but Head quickly got to work and reached his 150 with a boundary through backward point, earning a standing ovation from his home fans.

From Barron's

Hodge brought up his 50 from 85 balls, guiding Patel backward of point for his ninth boundary an over before lunch.

From Barron's

He opened the attack on Saturday but Head quickly got to work and reached his 150 off 205 balls with a boundary through backward point, earning a standing ovation from his home fans.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bashful
• hesitant
• shy