backward Definition
- 1directed behind or to the rear
- 2reluctant to advance or take action
- 3less advanced in development than is usual for one's age
Using backward: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "backward" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He took a backward step.
Example
The company has been slow to adopt new technologies and is falling backward compared to its competitors.
Example
The child is backward in his studies.
Example
She is very backward about coming forward.
backward Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for backward
Antonyms for backward
Idioms Using backward
Example
After the scandal, the company had to take a step backward and reevaluate their policies.
Example
She's interested in the job, but she's a bit backward in coming forward about it.
Example
He knows the script backward and forward after rehearsing it so many times.
Phrases with backward
Example
He paced backward and forward across the room.
Example
She cast a backward glance at the house as she drove away.
backward country
a country that is less developed than others
Example
The country is still quite backward in terms of infrastructure and technology.
Origins of backward
from Old English 'bæcweard', meaning 'toward the back'
Summary: backward in Brief
The term 'backward' [ˈbækwərd] describes something directed behind or to the rear, reluctant to advance or take action, or less advanced in development than is usual for one's age. It can be used in phrases like 'backward and forward,' and idioms like 'take a step backward,' which means to retreat or move away from a situation. 'Backward' also extends into phrases like 'backward glance,' and 'backward country,' denoting a less developed country.
