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

   a backward child

   backward countries

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

Derived Forms

• ˈbackwardly, adverb
• ˈbackwardness, noun

Other Words From

• back·ward·ly adverb
• back·ward·ness noun
• un·back·ward 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

In addition to the idiom beginning with backward , also see bend over backward ; fall over (backwards) ; know like a book (backwards and forwards) .

Example Sentences

The WTA said it is "comfortable" in its decision but legendary players Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert said taking the end-of-year event to Saudi was a "significant step backward" for women’s sport.

From BBC

In footage captured by concertgoers and posted on social media, the 47-year-old musician points to several fan posters and flags before stepping backward into an open trap door.

From Los Angeles Times

He then slowly walked backward toward law enforcement with raised arms and surrendered.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Grand Slam champions Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova said the WTA Finals moving to Saudi Arabia is a "step backward" for women's tennis.

From BBC

Again, it has that visual thinking — the windmill going backward, and the umbrella scene, all the famous moments.

From Salon

Related Words

• toward the rear