backward

1 of 3

adverb

back·​ward ˈbak-wərd 

variants or backwards

ˈbak-wərdz 

1

a

: toward the back or rear

She glanced backward over her shoulder.

b

: with the back foremost

Take three steps backward.

2

a

: in a reverse or contrary direction or way

Count backward from 10.

b

: toward the past

a journey backward in time

c

: toward a worse state

His new job felt like a step backward.

see also:

bend over backward

backward

2 of 3

adjective

1

a

: directed or turned toward the back

a backward glance

b

: done or executed backward

a backward somersault

2

: diffident, shy

I have been backward to begin my canvass.

—Edmund Burke

3

: less advanced in development or accomplishment than what is typical or expected

… said he felt the news media had given Jasper the image of a backward country town.

—Eli Rosenberg and Lindsey Bever

backwardly adverb

backwardness noun

backward

3 of 3

noun

: the part behind or past

… the dark backward … of time …

—Shakespeare

Synonyms of backward

Adverb

• back
• rearward

Adjective

• reverse
• reversed
• hind
• retrograde
• rearward

Examples of backward in a Sentence

Adverb

a sudden movement backward, not forward

I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward.

He pushed the throttle backward.

She took a small step backward.

a journey backward in time

The narrative moves backward and forward in time.

Adjective

a technologically backward village that has no running water

a backward turn on ice skates is hard to learn because you can't see where you're going

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The child falls to the floor behind her, and the employee falls backward and appears to land on top of him, the video shows. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Most strategic planning starts with the offering and works backward to the customer. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Adjective

That said, the forward-backward movement felt pretty loose in testing, easily sliding the full distance with light click-stops that offered little resistance. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026

Six stars in Leo form a large backward question-mark shape, popularly known as the Sickle. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1610, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing backward

• backward compatible
• backward-looking
• bend over backward
• fall over backward
• know something backward and forward
• lean over backward
• step backward/forward

Kids Definition

backward

1 of 2 adverb

back·​ward ˈbak-wərd 

variants or backwards

-wərdz 

1

: toward the back

look backward

2

: with the back first

ride backward

3

: opposite to the usual way : in reverse

count backward

4

: toward a worse state

backward

2 of 2 adjective

1

a

: directed or turned toward the back

a backward glance

b

: done backward

2

: shy entry 1 sense 1, bashful

3

: slow in learning or development

backward nations

backwardly adverb

backwardness noun