backward

/ˈbækwərd/
adjective
  1. Directed or facing toward the back or rear.
    • The truck has a backward mirror to help the driver see behind.
    • She made a backward glance as she left the room.
    • The backward motion of the swing made the child dizzy.
  2. Less developed or advanced than others; slow to progress.
    • Some people consider that region backward because it lacks modern roads.
    • He felt backward compared to his classmates in math.
    • The school was criticized for its backward teaching methods.
  3. Shy or hesitant in social situations.
    • Her backward nature made it hard for her to make friends.
    • Don't be so backward; introduce yourself to everyone.
    • The new student was backward and rarely spoke in class.
adverb
  1. Toward the direction behind you; opposite of forward.
    • She took a step backward when she saw the snake.
    • He glanced backward to see if anyone was following him.
    • The car rolled backward down the hill because the brake wasn't on.
  2. In reverse order; from the end to the beginning.
    • The movie was played backward as a special effect.
    • She read the list backward to check for mistakes.
    • Can you say the alphabet backward?
  3. Toward a less advanced or worse state.
    • His health took a step backward after the infection.
    • Without new technology, the company is going backward.
    • The country's economy has moved backward in the last decade.
Antonyms
What does "backward" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean