adj. 25B6; adjective
a backward look : REARWARD, to/towards the rear, to/towards the back, behind one, reverse.
the decision was a backward step : RETROGRADE, retrogressive, regressive, for the worse, in the wrong direction, downhill, negative.
an economically backward country : UNDERDEVELOPED, undeveloped; primitive, benighted.
he was not backward in displaying his talents : HESITANT, reticent, reluctant; shy, diffident, bashful, timid; unwilling, afraid, loath, averse.
forward, progressive, advanced, confident.
25B6; adverb the car rolled slowly backward. : See backwards .