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.

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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

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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)

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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

But her words reached backward, as if acknowledging both women—the one who endured and the one who emerged: Look at you.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Thanks to Hubble's high resolution, scientists were able to trace the fragments backward to their original state as a single object.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

But you can’t make money by looking backward.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Not only does she talk, but she recites venerable nursery rhymes, backward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

“Fox! You’re back! Excellent, just the guy—” As Nine’s eyes rose to Clare’s face, he shrieked and fell backward, releasing his grip on the bulging satchel.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• bashful
• hesitant
• shy