In American English, backward is usually used as an adverb instead of backwards.Backward is also sometimes used in this way in formal British English. See backwards for these uses.
1ADJ [ADJ n]向后的,往后的(一些人亦使用backwards) A backward movement or look is in the direction that your back is facing. Some people use backwards for this meaning. 向后的,往后的(一些人亦使用backwards)
He unlocked the door of apartment two and disappeared inside after a backward glance at Larry.
2ADJ [ADJ n]倒退的;不进反退的 If someone takes a backward step, they do something that does not change or improve their situation, but causes them to go back a stage. 倒退的;不进反退的
At a certain age, it's not viable for men to take a backward step into unskilled work.
到了一定的年龄,就不可能再退回去干不需要技能的工作。
Many dentists will no longer treat National Health Service patients, which is a big backward step in this country.