ˈbackwardness
[f. as prec. + -ness.]
1. The state of being behindhand in progress or preparation.
| a 1588 Abp. Sandys Serm. (1841) 424 Where there is backwardness in knowledge. 1628 Earle Microcosm., Raw Preacher 3 His backwardness in the University. 1683 Sir W. Temple Mem. 1672–9 Wks. 1731 I. 417 By their Forwardness, and the great Backwardness of some of the Allies. 1858 Froude Hist. Eng. III. xiv. 254 The backwardness of the English in engineering skill. 1876 Fawcett Pol. Econ. i. v. 63 The poverty and backwardness of India. |
b. The backward state of the season, or crops.
| 1684 Lond. Gaz. No. 1928/1 Put off, by reason of the backwardness of the season. 1719 London & Wise Compl. Gard. 164 Causes of the Forwardness or Backwardness of Maturity in all manner of Fruits. 1828 H. Steuart Planter's Guide 323 In regard to Backwardness in Trees. |
2. Reluctance, disinclination; slowness of conception or action, sluggishness; bashfulness.
| 1597 T. Payne Royal Exch. 14 Cowldnes and backwardnes in religion. 1624 A. Wotton Runne fr. Rome 5 To beare with my slownes and backwardnes. a 1665 J. Goodwin Filled w. the Spirit (1867) 62 Backwardness or indisposition unto the things exhorted. 1669 Pepys Diary 3 Jan., I, out of my natural backwardness, did hang off, which vexed her. 1748 Smollett Rod. Rand. xxxix. (1804) 254 Which operation I having performed with some backwardness, she put it on. 1787 T. Jefferson Writ. (1859) II. 149 The backwardness of the States to bring money into the public treasury. 1872 Freeman Norm. Conq. IV. xviii. 141 Without any suspicion of backwardness or disloyalty. |