an area of a river or stream that is not affected by the main current and flows more slowly than the rest of the river, a place or state that is isolated, backward, or out of touch with the times

Formal and Informal Expressions of backwater

In different contexts, you can replace 'backwater' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'isolated area, remote location' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'middle of nowhere, nowheresville' is a commonplace synonym.

backwater: Explore its Definition & Usage

backwater Definition

1an area of a river or stream that is not affected by the main current and flows more slowly than the rest of the river
2a place or state that is isolated, backward, or out of touch with the times

Using backwater: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "backwater" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The town was a backwater until the new highway was built.
Example
The region is a cultural backwater compared to the rest of the country.
Example
The small village is a backwater where nothing ever happens.

backwater Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for backwater

Antonyms for backwater

Phrases with backwater

backwater town
a small, isolated town that is not well-known or developed
Example
He grew up in a backwater town in the middle of nowhere.
backwater state
a state that is not very important or influential
Example
The election results showed that the candidate had won in several backwater states.
backwater country
a country that is not well-developed or modernized
Example
The documentary highlighted the poverty and lack of infrastructure in the backwater country.

📌

Summary: backwater in Brief

The term 'backwater' [ˈbakˌwôdər] refers to a place or state that is isolated, backward, or out of touch with the times. It can also refer to an area of a river or stream that is not affected by the main current and flows more slowly than the rest of the river. Examples include 'The town was a backwater until the new highway was built.' and 'The region is a cultural backwater compared to the rest of the country.' Phrases like 'backwater town' and 'backwater state' denote small, isolated places that are not well-known or developed.