back·ward / ˈbakwərd/ • adj. 1. directed behind or to the rear: she left the room without a backward glance. ∎  looking toward the past, rather than being progressive; retrograde: he said the decision was a backward step.2. (of a person) having learning difficulties: a lively child but a bit backward. ∎  having made less than normal progress: economically backward countries.• adv. (also back·wards) 1. (of a movement) away from one's front; in the direction of one's back: he took a step backward Harry suddenly fell backward into a somersault. ∎  in reverse of the usual direction or order: counting backward baseball caps turned backward. ∎  with the rear facing forward.2. toward or into the past: a loving look backward at his early life. ∎  toward or into a worse state: a giant step backward for child-centered education.PHRASES: backward and forward in both directions alternately; to and fro.bend (or lean) over backward inf. make every effort, esp. to be fair or helpful: Jensen bent over backward to be fair.know something backward (and forward) be entirely familiar with something.DERIVATIVES: back·ward·ly adv.back·ward·ness n.

backward towards the back of rear. XIV. Aphetic of †abackward, f. ABACK + -WARD.