Definition of "backwardness" [back•ward•ness]

• The state of being backward. (noun)
• Reluctance. (noun)

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• "A well delineated picture of conflict between widely disparate civilizations, with a reminder that backwardness is not the same as stupidity."
• "I quote it in there, in which he says that the main reason he says for our backwardness in 1868 -- the word backwardness was still permitted."
• "Thus, these bodies project the notion of backwardness about Afghanistan in the international community."