Backward dream meaning is explained below using 7 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Nancy Wagaman

Something that is backward or opposite of what you expect can represent: Something in your real life that seems amiss or not quite right.

Something you tend to confuse or get backward (such as the names of two people).

Moving or stepping backward could represent: fear, retreating from something, or avoiding something (or a desire to do so), regressing or losing progress.

Walking backward or retracing your steps on a path could represent a desire to revisit, reevaluate, or redo something in your past.

See Moving Around, Repeating, Returning

Source: The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary • Author: Nancy Wagaman

Interpretation 2 — Dream Explanations - Anonymous

If you dream that someone or something is going backward, then this symbolizes rebellion, feeling out of style, or attached to outmoded ways of the past. Perhaps your dream is telling you that you are going the wrong direction, that you are off track, and are going against the flow, or perhaps that you are being contrary and rebellious.

See Rewind.

Source: Strangest Dream Explanations • Author: Dream Explanations - Anonymous

Interpretation 3 — James R. Lewis and Evelyn Dorothy Oliver

A dream of moving backward may mean the dreamer feels he or she is losing ground in some endeavor. Retracing one’s steps may indicate that information from the past may be needed to bring about an understanding of a current situation, especially one that has gone wrong.
Source: Dream Symbols in The Dream Encyclopedia • Author: James R. Lewis and Evelyn Dorothy Oliver

Interpretation 4 — Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

1. A feeling that efforts are leading nowhere.

2. A need or desire to remove oneself or to “back off” from a situation or re­lationship.

3. Difficulties in communication, misunderstanding.

Source: New American Dream Dictionary • Author: Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

Interpretation 5 — myjellybean

If you dream of moving backwards, you need to remember information from the past to solve a current problem.
Source: My Dream Interpretation • Author: myjellybean

Interpretation 6 — Vincent Wienand

See direction metaphors chapter
Source: Dream Dictionary The Biblical Model • Author: Vincent Wienand

Interpretation 7 — Margaret Hamilton

Regression
Source: Dream Dictionary Unlimited • Author: Margaret Hamilton