backward attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backward attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It's used to refer to a backward-looking, regressive, or unprogressive attitude. For example, "The chairman's backward attitude on gender equality in the workplace shows his lack of progressiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's a backward attitude.

The New York Times

'A bit like it is in France now,' laughs Stella, who, like any non-meat eater, must find that country's somewhat backward attitude to the meat-free life deeply frustrating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We may sneer at the "backward" attitudes of the developing world towards rape victims, but how far behind western attitudes are they in reality?

Independent

"Out of interest, is the Rio Ferdinand criticising backward attitudes to woman the same Rio Ferdinand who organised this party?" - Calum Loudon.

The Guardian - Sport

The prime minister said he would not avoid telling the "hard truths" required to confront the minority of Muslim men whose "backward attitudes" led them to exert "damaging control" over women in their families.

The Guardian

The Prime Minister claimed that some 190,000 British Muslim women, or 22%, speak little or no English, and suggested that a minority of men were promoting "backward attitudes" and exerting "damaging control" over their female relatives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I suspect there's also "rural" or backward attitudes at play in the state legislatures that allow DV as a "pre-existing" condition.

Huffington Post

Despite the obstacles of backward attitudes and stubbornly discriminatory institutions, the hardnosed Southerner was able to deliver more on the civil rights agenda than his predecessor, President John F. Kennedy, an Irish Catholic from Massachusetts, ever could have done.

Huffington Post

The very existence of a movie satirizing Hollywood's backward racial attitudes was surely a sign that they were on the way out.

The New York Times

Cardinal Michele Pellegrino, of Turin, one of the most progressive Italian prelates, in a recent article here entitled "What the Church Means and Does Not Mean by Change," defined the true nature of aggiornamento and criticized, without mentioning the Pope, what is now recognized as Paul's fear-ridden and backward-looking attitude.

The New Yorker

As a confidante of President Obama and a senior campaign adviser, Ms. Dunn has helped prepare him for the debates this month, plotted campaign strategy and acted as a surrogate of sorts in attacking Mitt Romney for a "backward-looking attitude" on issues like women's rights and health care.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a "backward attitude", be specific about the aspects that are outdated or harmful. Provide concrete examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "backward attitude" as a blanket term for all traditional beliefs. Some traditions may be valuable and contribute positively to society. Reserve this phrase for attitudes that demonstrably hinder progress or perpetuate harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backward attitude" functions as a noun phrase, where "backward" is an adjective modifying the noun "attitude". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence or clause, describing a particular type of mindset or perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backward attitude" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an outdated or regressive mindset. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is common, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science and Lifestyle contexts, it carries a negative connotation and should be used thoughtfully, avoiding generalizations. Alternatives like "regressive mindset" or "outdated perspective" may be suitable depending on the specific context. When using "backward attitude", provide concrete examples and avoid conflating it with all traditional beliefs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regressive mindset

Focuses more on the mental aspect and direction of thought.

outdated perspective

Emphasizes the lack of currency and relevance of the viewpoint.

conservative outlook

Highlights a resistance to change and adherence to traditional values.

old-fashioned view

Similar to "outdated perspective", but with a slightly lighter tone.

traditional stance

Focuses on the adherence to established customs and beliefs.

reactionary approach

Implies active opposition to progress and a desire to return to past conditions.

hidebound mentality

Suggests a rigid and inflexible way of thinking.

antediluvian outlook

Emphasizes how extremely outdated the perspective is.

obsolete viewpoint

Highlights the irrelevance of the opinion.

past-oriented thinking

Highlights how the thinking is oriented towards the past.

FAQs

How can I use "backward attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "backward attitude" to describe a mindset or viewpoint that is outdated, regressive, or resistant to progress. For example, "The company's "backward attitude" towards remote work hindered its ability to attract top talent."

What are some alternatives to saying "backward attitude"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "regressive mindset", "outdated perspective", or "conservative outlook".

What does it mean to have a "backward attitude"?

Having a "backward attitude" implies clinging to outdated beliefs, resisting positive change, and potentially promoting harmful practices. It suggests a lack of adaptability and openness to new ideas.

Is it always negative to have a "backward attitude"?

Generally, yes. The term "backward attitude" carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the attitude in question is detrimental to progress or well-being. However, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid using the term as a generalization or stereotype.