backward classesBrE /ˌbækwəd ˈklɑːsɪz/ 🔊NAmE /ˌbækwərd ˈklæsɪz/ 🔊 noun [plural] (in India) the people in a caste (= division of society) or community who are recommended by each state authority for special help in education and employment 落后阶层，落后种姓（印度各邦当局建议在教育和就业方面给予优惠）