backwater

noun

back·​wa·​ter ˈbak-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

1

a

: water backed up in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current, or the tide

b

: a body of water (such as an inlet or tributary) that is out of the main current of a larger body

2

a

: an isolated or backward place or condition

b

: an unpopular or unimportant field (as of study or business)

Synonyms

• backcountry
• backland(s)
• backwoods
• bush
• frontier
• hinterland
• outback
• outlands
• up-country

Examples of backwater in a Sentence

The once sleepy backwater is now a thriving city.

a distant backwater that didn't even have electricity at that time

Recent Examples on the Web

Thoughtfully constructed in 2002 to honor the natural environment, the Murphy River Walk traces the banks of the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers, where the two rivers converge to create the backwaters of Lake Hiwassee. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024

Previously, wild rice was most commonly found in the still, shallow backwater areas of the river. —Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

Set in the future with humanity colonizing the Solar System, the resources across the various planets and asteroids render the Earth a financial backwater. —Ollie Barder, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

The 20-year road Army traveled from football backwater to College Football Playoff contender was hardly a straight line. —Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

backwater

noun

back·​wa·​ter ˈbak-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

1

: water held or turned back from its course

2

: a backward place or condition