backwardness

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

From backward + -ness.

I thought that he was going to remonstrate with me for my backwardness. — McGuffey's Fifth Eclectic Reader, William Holmes McGuffey
“I have long shrunk from children, because they often show a distrust,—a backwardness to be familiar with me. — The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne
To show eagerness would have raised suspicion; backwardness excites the contrary feeling, and a desire to entertain some intercourse. — The Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. Dido: For the Suppression of Piracy, Henry, Sir Keppel

retardation, mental retardation, slowness, subnormality

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