'backwardness' originates from the word 'backward,' which is derived from the Old English 'bæcweard,' where 'bæc' meant 'back' and 'weard' meant 'toward.'

'bæcweard' transformed into the Middle English word 'bacward,' and eventually became the modern English word 'backward.'

Initially, it meant 'toward the back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being behind in development or progress.'