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

For about 16 minutes following another practice Vea watched, Vea stood at a podium in a conference room wearing sunglasses and his hat on backward but looking forward to rejoining his teammates on the field. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

In a 2025 interview with Variety, Andy Muschietti teased that the story will be told backward within three seasons. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Analysts say the company is reaping the benefits of scale and backward integration. — Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

During his socialist/communist rule, China was a backward country that could not feed or clothe its people. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 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