adj.
Function: adjective
1 directed, turned, or executed backward FF1C; the backward swimming of the crayfish FF1E;
Synonyms: retral, retrograde
Related Words: inverted, reversed
Antonyms: advance, forward
2
Synonyms: DISINCLINED , afraid, averse, hesitant, indisposed, loath, reluctant, shy, uneager, unwilling
Related Words: bashful, diffident
3
Synonyms: SHY 1, bashful, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, self-effacing, timid, unassertive, unassured
4
Synonyms: RETARDED , dim-witted, dull, feebleminded, half-witted, imbecile, moronic, simpleminded, slow, slow-witted
5 holding to outworn or traditional views, ideas, or principles FF1C; had a backward attitude toward social inferiors FF1E;
Synonyms: benighted, ignorant, unenlightened, unprogressive
Related Words: conservative, reactionary; obtuse, stupid, thickheaded; bigoted, hidebound, narrow; blind; unenlightened, uninformed
Contrasted Words: advanced, aware, enlightened, forward-looking, progressive, unbenighted
6 not developing or progressing especially in economic and social areas FF1C; backward nations using primitive farming methods FF1E;
Synonyms: behindhand, underdeveloped, undeveloped, unprogressive
Related Words: poor, struggling; medieval; benighted, retarded, uncultivated, uncultured
Idioms: behind the times
Contrasted Words: forward-looking, progressive; civilized, cultivated, cultured; modern
Antonyms: advanced