The state behind or past.

(of motion) In the direction towards the back.

"They left without a backward glance."

(of motion) In the direction reverse of normal.

"The occasional backward movement of planets is evidence they revolve around the sun."

Reluctant or unable to advance.

Of a culture: undeveloped or unsophisticated.

Outdated.

On that part of the field behind the batsman's popping crease.

Further behind the batsman's popping crease than something else.

Unwilling; averse; reluctant.

Slow to apprehend; having difficulties in learning.

"a backward child"

Late or behindhand.

"a backward season"

Already past or gone; bygone.

(of motion) In the direction towards the back; backwards

"to throw the arms backward"

Toward, or in, past time or events; ago.

By way of reflection; reflexively.

From a better to a worse state, as from honor to shame, from religion to sin.