backwardness Definition

backward
adj

1. Directed behind or towards the back.
2. Less advanced than normal in mental, physical or intellectual development.

Thesaurus: retarded, stupid, slow-witted, dense, dull, unsophisticated, illiterate, provincial underdeveloped, hick (US slang), underprivileged, underbred, subnormal; Antonym: smart, advanced.
3. Reluctant or shy.

Thesaurus: reticent, shy, bashful, hesitant, retiring, withdrawn, shrinking; Antonym: outgoing.

adverb

1. Backwards.

Derivative: backwardness
noun

Etymology: 13c: originally a variant of abackward.