# backwater

/ˈbæˌkwɔtɝ/ (US) · /bˈækwɔːtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backwater
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a place that is very quiet, isolated, and far away from the main activity or excitement. It is often used to describe a small town or a part of a river that is not busy.

For teachers: a remote, isolated, or unimportant place, often used to describe a small town or a stagnant part of a river. It implies a lack of modern development or commercial activity.

## Examples

- The small village is a quiet backwater far from the city.
- The old factory was turned into a community center, transforming the industrial backwater into a vibrant cultural hub.
- While the coastal metropolis thrives on tourism and trade, the interior remains a forgotten backwater where traditional customs persist despite the passage of time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.