WordGarden.iobackwater
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈækwɔːtə/
US
- /ˈbæˌkwɔtər/
Meanings
Noun
a remote or stagnant place or sphere seen as old-fashioned or unimportant
a stagnant or slow-moving part of a river or other body of water away from the main current
Adjective
remote, stagnant, or provincial in a way that seems unimportant
Beyond the definition
Imagine a slow-moving stream branching off from a main river—that's often what people mean when they say "backwater." It suggests a place that is quiet, isolated, and perhaps a little behind the times. A backwater isn't necessarily bad; it is often just disconnected. Think of a small town where nothing much ever happens, or an area overlooked by progress. You might describe your hometown as a backwater after you move to a bustling city. It can also refer literally to a still, slow-moving part of a river or lake.
The term originally described these quiet stretches of water, but it has evolved to mean any place that feels left behind or unimportant in the grand scheme of things. A politician might dismiss a rural area as a "backwater," though locals might take offense.
"Backwater" is a fascinating word with both literal and figurative meanings. Originally, it described a calm, slow-moving body of water connected to a larger river or lake—think of the quiet pools where lily pads thrive. These areas are often sheltered from the main current, creating a peaceful but somewhat stagnant environment.
Over time, "backwater" took on a metaphorical meaning: a place that is remote, undeveloped, and lagging behind in terms of progress or importance. It suggests an area that is isolated from mainstream activity and perhaps stuck in its ways. You might describe a small rural town as a backwater if it lacks modern amenities or opportunities.
However, the term isn't always negative. Some people seek out backwaters for their tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It can evoke a sense of nostalgia or a simpler way of living. A character in a novel might return to a "backwater" hometown after years away, seeking peace and reconnection with their roots.
The word carries a subtle judgment—it implies that something is less significant than the mainstream. But whether you see a backwater as charmingly quaint or frustratingly stagnant depends entirely on your perspective.
So, whether referring to a quiet stretch of water or a forgotten corner of the world, "backwater" speaks to places set apart—isolated, peaceful, and perhaps a little bit lost in time.
Examples
- 1
River feature
We rented a cabin beside a quiet backwater of the river.
- 2
Rural town
Fifty years ago, the town was little more than a rural backwater.
- 3
Political influence
He worried that the new job would leave him in a political backwater.
- Phrasein a political backwater
in a place or role with little influence
- 4
Cultural judgment
Critics used to dismiss the country as a cultural backwater.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace status
After the company moved its headquarters, the old office became a backwater.
See also
Similar
- hinterland
- boondocks
- out-of-the-way place
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- rural backwater
- cultural backwater
- economic backwater
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- backwaternoun
Forms
- backwaterspluralnoun