backwater

back-wa-ter · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A part of a river where the water is stagnant or flows very slowly, typically in a section not affected by the current.

  2. 2.

    An isolated or underdeveloped place that is unaffected by new ideas, events, or developments.

  3. 3.

    A condition of stagnation or inactivity.

Forms

plural: backwaters

Related words

Antonyms: center, metropolis
See also: hinterland, remote, stagnant
Synonyms: boondocks, hinterland, sticks

Etymology

From English back + water, originally referring to water held back or diverted from the main current of a river.