1. in reverse; toward the back or rear
2. in reverse order or sequence
3. toward a worse or less advanced state

1. directed toward the back; reverse

Examples

• She walked backwards down the hallway.
• He fell backwards into the pool.
• Can you say the alphabet backwards?
• The clock was running backwards.
• The country seemed to be moving backwards economically.
• She gave him a backwards glance as she left.
• The backwards motion of the car startled everyone.