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
Example
He grew up in a backwater town in the middle of nowhere.
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.