backward-looking

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Advocates of originalism say this sort of backward-looking reasoning is the only way to prevent modern judges or legislatures from abridging individual rights ratified in the Constitution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

For the LFI's Fourreau, the banquets are "backward-looking – a caricature".

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

GDP is a backward-looking number, but the report also showed the economy picking up in February and March just as the conflict with Iran erupted.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

He likes the $15 billion WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth ETF, which focuses on the potential for dividend growth rather than backward-looking dividend increases.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

This backward-looking astronomer had been born in 1611, which perhaps explains his old-fashioned attitude, and christened Johann Höwelcke, but Latinized his name to Johannes Hevelius.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin