1. directed toward the back or rear
2. done in reverse order or opposite to the usual way
3. slow to learn or develop; behind in progress

1. toward the back or rear
2. in reverse order or direction

Examples

• She took a backward step away from the edge.
• The clock was running backward.
• Some students need extra help in backward areas of the country.
• He glanced backward over his shoulder.
• She counted backward from ten to one.
• The car rolled backward down the hill.
• Reading backward, the word ‘star’ becomes ‘rats’.