n.[U]

1. 進步遲緩，落後；遲鈍
   The backwardness of education in this area is, in some degree, due to lack of qualified teachers.

   這個地區教育的落後在某種程度上歸咎於師資缺乏。

2. 靦腆；畏縮，遲疑
   Any backwardness in her family towards him was due to his cold and contemptuous behavior.

   她家裡人對他的遲疑歸咎於他冷淡輕蔑的行為。