backward

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. having made less progress than others in technology, society, or learning.

adj. less advanced than is typical or desired in terms of social, economic, or intellectual development.

“The village was quite backward and still had no reliable electricity.”

“Critics argued that the new policy was a backward step for civil rights in the region.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

adj. shy and not wanting to speak or act.

adj. reluctant or hesitant to act or speak; often used in the phrase 'not backward in' to mean someone is bold.

“She was never backward in telling people exactly what she thought.”

“Though naturally a backward child in social settings, he displayed remarkable confidence when performing on stage.”

B1 · Intermediate

adv. toward the direction behind you.

adv. toward the rear or in a direction opposite to the usual one.

“The car started to roll backward down the steep hill.”

“The film was played backward, making it look as though the broken glass was jumping back onto the table.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. looking or thinking about things that happened in the past.

adv. toward or into the past; in a reverse chronological order.

“Looking backward, I realize I should have taken that job offer.”

“The historian traced the lineage backward through three centuries of church records.”