backwardness
backwardness — noun
1. the condition of being behind others in development, especially in technology, i
the condition of being behind others in development, especially in technology, industry, education, or social conditions
The region's backwardness was partly caused by years of poor road and rail connections.
collocation: economic backwardness
Hassan blamed the village's backwardness on the lack of reliable electricity and internet access.
blame [sth]'s backwardness on [cause]
Adina's research focused on the technological backwardness of rural health clinics in several countries.
Government reports pointed to the educational backwardness of remote mountain communities as a serious problem.
collocation: educational backwardness
Without foreign investment, Haruto said, the country's economic backwardness would only get worse.
collocation: economic backwardness
- economic backwardness
- technological backwardness
- educational backwardness
- industrial backwardness
- rural backwardness
- underdevelopment
more neutral and technical, especially in economics
- primitiveness
stronger and more judgmental; often used for very basic technologies
- lack of progress
more literal and less academic than 'backwardness'
- advancement
positive progress or improvement
- modernization
the process of adopting modern methods and equipment
Usage Note
This noun is uncountable and describes a society, region, or organization, not an individual. Using it to describe a person's mental ability is considered outdated and offensive.
Common Mistakes
Etymology
First known use
1585
1585, in the meaning defined above