1. (adv.) Alt. of Backwards.

2. (a.) Directed to the back or rear; as, backward glances.

3. (a.) Unwilling; averse; reluctant; hesitating; loath.

4. (a.) Not well advanced in learning; not quick of apprehension; dull; inapt; as, a backward child.

5. (a.) Late or behindhand; as, a backward season.

6. (a.) Not advanced in civilization; undeveloped; as, the country or region is in a backward state.

7. (a.) Already past or gone; bygone.

8. (n.) The state behind or past.

9. (v. i.) To keep back; to hinder.