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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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