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

During his post-game press conference Stafford wore a blue baseball cap backward.

From Los Angeles Times

The cornerback fell backward as if he was breakdancing.

From Los Angeles Times

Early in the fourth quarter, Herbert pump-faked a pass that left cornerback Roger McCreary sliding down to the ground and reaching backward with his hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Alpha Male, who wears a russet beard, wraparound sunglasses and a backward ball cap, is enamored with the likes of Tucker Carlson and has no tolerance for gender studies, critical race theory or what he sees as the liberal radicalization of a country that has succumbed to snowflakes and bibliophiles.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no question that the forthcoming return of Donald Trump and his willful disregard for science, truth, and basic empathy is a massive step backward in the struggle toward a world built on justice, equity, and a stable climate.

From Slate

Related Words

• toward the rear