B1adjective2K

Backward

UK /["/ˈbækwəd/"]/US /["/ˈbækwərd/"]/

Definition

directed or moving towards the back

In simple words: Going in the direction opposite to where you are facing.

Examples

  • She strode past him **without a backward glance**.
  • She felt that going back to live in her home town would be a backward step.
  • a backward part of the country, with no paved roads and no electricity
  • She's not **backward in coming forward** *(= she's not shy)*.

Usage notes

Use 'backward' to describe movement or position. It’s appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but less common in positive situations; often used in negative or cautionary remarks.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'back' in 'backward' — imagine walking back instead of forward.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • retrograde

Antonyms

  • forward

Common mistakes

  • 'Backward' vs 'backwards' confusion, especially in British vs American English.
  • Using 'backward' to describe a person negatively (this can be considered offensive).
  • Confusing the spelling with 'backwardness'.