BACKWARD definition: toward the back or rear. See examples of backward used in a sentence.

Aug 5, 2025 · Understand the difference between “backward” and “backwards” and when to use each in American or British English for clear, correct writing.

BACKWARD definition: 1. not advanced: 2. towards the direction that is the opposite to the one in which you are facing…. Learn more.

While technically backwards is interchangeable with backward, the overwhelmingly preferred spelling in the United States is backward, whether it is used as an adjective or an adverb.

To summarize, backward is an adjective that characterizes something as reverse or regressive, whereas backwards is primarily used as an adverb to describe a motion done in reverse.

Is backwards a word? Learn how to use backwards and backward with definitions and sentence examples at Writing Explained.

Also, ˈback•wards. toward the back or rear: I leaned backward in my chair. with the back moving first or facing forward: The helicopter flew backward. in the reverse of the usual or right way: counting …

1. backward (s) and forward (s), in every detail; thoroughly. 2. bend, lean, or fall over backward, to exert oneself to the utmost; make a serious effort.

The meaning of BACKWARD is toward the back or rear. How to use backward in a sentence.

Feb 21, 2026 · Adjective backward (comparative more backward, superlative most backward) Indicating position or direction. Situated toward or at the rear of something.