Note: In American English, '~' is usually used as an adverb instead of '~s'. 'Backward' is also sometimes used in this way in formal British English. See '~s' for these uses.
1.
A ~ movement or look is in the direction that your back is facing. Some people use ~s for this meaning.
He unlocked the door of apartment two and disappeared inside after a ~ glance at Larry...
He did a ~ flip.
? forward
ADJ: ADJ n
2.
If someone takes a ~ step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage.
At a certain age, it’s not viable for men to take a ~ step into unskilled work...
? forward
ADJ: ADJ n
3.
A ~ country or society does not have modern industries and machines.
We need to accelerate the pace of change in our ~ country.
? developed
ADJ
~ness
I was astonished at the ~ness of our country at the time.
N-UNCOUNT
4.
A ~ child has difficulty in learning.
I was slow to walk and talk and my parents thought I was ~.
ADJ
~ness
...her ~ness in practical and physical activities.
N-UNCOUNT