work backward

verb

To derive a process, rationale, etc. from its conclusions or results.

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Meanings

verbwork backward (third-person singular simple present works backward, present participle working backward, simple past and past participle worked backward)

present singular third person works backward · participle present working backward · participle past worked backward · past worked backward

  1. To derive a process, rationale, etc. from its conclusions or results.
Cite this entry
APA

work backward. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/work%20backward

MLA

“work backward.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/work%20backward. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “work backward,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/work%20backward.

Source: work backward on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.