backward
back|ward /b'ækwərd/
In American English, backward is usually used as an adverb instead of backwards. Backward is also sometimes used in this way in formal British English. See backwards for these uses.
1 [ADJ] ADJ n
A backward movement or look is in the direction that your back is facing. Some people use backwards for this meaning.
He unlocked the door of apartment two and disappeared inside after a backward glance at Larry...
He did a backward flip.
≠ forward
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
If someone takes a backward step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage.
At a certain age, it's not viable for men to take a backward step into unskilled work...
≠ forward
3 [ADJ]
A backward country or society does not have modern industries and machines.
We need to accelerate the pace of change in our backward country.
≠ developed
● backwardness [N-UNCOUNT]
I was astonished at the backwardness of our country at the time.
4 [ADJ]
A backward child has difficulty in learning.
I was slow to walk and talk and my parents thought I was backward.
● backwardness [N-UNCOUNT]
...her backwardness in practical and physical activities.
In American English, backward is usually used as an adverb instead of backwards. Backward is also sometimes used in this way in formal British English. See backwards for these uses.
1 [ADJ] ADJ n
A backward movement or look is in the direction that your back is facing. Some people use backwards for this meaning.
He unlocked the door of apartment two and disappeared inside after a backward glance at Larry...
He did a backward flip.
≠ forward
2 [ADJ] ADJ n
If someone takes a backward step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage.
At a certain age, it's not viable for men to take a backward step into unskilled work...
≠ forward
3 [ADJ]
A backward country or society does not have modern industries and machines.
We need to accelerate the pace of change in our backward country.
≠ developed
● backwardness [N-UNCOUNT]
I was astonished at the backwardness of our country at the time.
4 [ADJ]
A backward child has difficulty in learning.
I was slow to walk and talk and my parents thought I was backward.
● backwardness [N-UNCOUNT]
...her backwardness in practical and physical activities.