What does backward mean?
Backward primarily means directed toward the back or toward an earlier point, whether describing physical movement, orientation, or time — as in a backward glance or a backward step. By extension it characterizes anything lagging in progress or development, from technology that fails to be backward-compatible to institutions regarded as slow to modernize. It functions as both an adjective (a backward child, a backward country) and an adverb (she walked backward down the stairs), though British English favors the form "backwards" for adverbial use. The word also appears in the familiar idiom "to bend over backward," meaning to make an exceptional effort to accommodate someone. Because applying "backward" to people or societies can carry a patronizing tone, careful writers often choose alternatives such as "less developed." Its opposite, "forward," anchors one of English's most basic spatial contrasts.
Directed or facing toward the back; situated behind; or, of a person or thing, slow to develop or make progress relative to others.
"The tractor rolled into the barn through its backward-facing door."
When applied to people or societies, this sense can read as dated or pejorative; "underdeveloped" or "behind" may be more neutral.
In the reverse of the usual direction; toward the back or starting point.
"He leaned backward to avoid the low branch."
American English commonly uses "backward" as the adverb; British English typically prefers "backwards."
To "bend over backward" originally described literal acrobatic contortion — today it means making an extraordinary effort to help someone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of backward
Backward was formed in Middle English from the noun "back" combined with the suffix "-ward," which indicates direction or orientation and derives from Old English "-weard." The same Germanic suffix produced a whole family of directional words, including "forward," "toward," "afterward," and "wayward." The word has been in use since the medieval period, with its figurative sense of mental or social underdevelopment becoming established by the early modern era.
Related word forms
How backward is actually used
As an adverb, "backward" is standard in American English, while British English strongly prefers "backwards"; both are acceptable adjectives. Applied to people or societies, "backward" can sound dated or condescending in formal writing — terms like "underdeveloped" or "less advanced" are often preferred. The idiom "bend over backward" is informal but widely used.
Easily confused with backward
"Backward" is standard as an adjective (a backward glance) and common as an adverb in American English, while "backwards" is the usual adverbial form in British English and is not used attributively before a noun.