backward
BAK-wuhd
Backward (adj/adv) means Directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected. Example: “He took a backward glance before leaving the room.”
adj/adv
1
Directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected.
"He took a backward glance before leaving the room."
"The car rolled backward down the hill."
"She took a step backward and nearly tripped over the cat."
adj
1
Less developed or advanced than expected, especially describing a place, culture, or way of thinking.
"Critics called the policy backward and out of step with modern attitudes."
"Some visitors described the town as backward, because it still had no proper roads."
"It is unfair to call a whole country backward just because it has less money."
2
Reluctant or slow to act, learn, or come forward.
"He was oddly backward about asking for help even when he clearly needed it."
How to use backward
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFacing or moving toward the rear or the past — or, describing attitudes and places, outdated and undeveloped.
UK vs US
Both British and American English use "backward" as an adjective, but British English also commonly uses "backwards" as an adverb where American English tends to prefer "backward" for both.
Common pairings
backward step
backward glance
backward country
move backward
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like backward.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- backwards
- Past tense
- backwarded
- Comparative
- more backward
- Superlative
- most backward
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He took a _____ glance before leaving the room.
Etymology
From Middle English bakwarde, formed from back plus the directional suffix -ward, meaning "in the direction of the back."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “backward” mean?
The word “backward” means directed or moving toward the rear, or in the opposite direction to normal or expected. In plain terms, facing or moving toward the rear or the past — or, describing attitudes and places, outdated and undeveloped.
How do you pronounce “backward”?
“Backward” is pronounced BAK-wuhd (/ˈbækwɚd/ in IPA).
How do you use “backward” in a sentence?
Here is “backward” used in a sentence: “He took a backward glance before leaving the room.”
What is another word for “backward”?
Words with a similar meaning to “backward” include reversedly, in reverse, dated, obsolete, primitive and back to front.
What is the opposite of “backward”?
The opposite of “backward” — its antonyms — are forward and forwards.
What part of speech is “backward”?
Depending on how it is used, “backward” can be an adj/adv and an adjective.
Where does the word “backward” come from?
The word “backward” comes from Middle English. From Middle English bakwarde, formed from back plus the directional suffix -ward, meaning "in the direction of the back.".
Is “backward” a common word?
“Backward” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between backward and backwards?
Backward and backwards mean the same thing when used as adverbs describing movement toward the rear; American English tends to prefer "backward," while British English commonly uses "backwards," though both forms appear in each variety. As an adjective, only "backward" is standard.
Is it offensive to call a place or culture backward?
Calling a place or way of thinking "backward" implies it is less developed or advanced than expected, and this usage can come across as judgmental or disrespectful, so it is often better to use more neutral, specific terms when discussing development or customs.
How is backward used to describe a person's behavior?
When describing a person, backward can mean reluctant or slow to act, learn, or come forward, such as someone being "backward about asking for help."
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include backward:
