The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Forwardness \For"ward*ness\, n.
   The quality of being forward; cheerful readiness; promtness;
   as, the forwardness of Christians in propagating the gospel.
   [1913 Webster]

   2. An advanced stage of progress or of preparation;
      advancement; as, his measures were in great forwardness.
      --Robertson.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Eagerness; ardor; as, it is difficult to restrain the
      forwardness of youth.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Boldness; confidence; assurance; want of due reserve or
      modesty.
      [1913 Webster]

            In France it is usual to bring children into
            company, and cherish in them, from their infancy, a
            kind of forwardness and assurance.    --Addison.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. A state of advance beyond the usual degree; prematureness;
      precocity; as, the forwardnessof spring or of corn; the
      forwardness of a pupil.
      [1913 Webster]

            He had such a dexterous proclivity, as his teachers
            were fain to restrain his forwardness. --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.

   Syn: Promptness; promptitude; eagerness; ardor; zeal;
        assurance; confidence; boldness; impudence; presumption.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

forwardness
    n 1: offensive boldness and assertiveness [syn: bumptiousness,
         cockiness, pushiness, forwardness]
    2: an advanced stage; "the forwardness of the harvest this
       year"; "the arts are in no kind of forwardness in this
       matter"
    3: prompt willingness; "readiness to continue discussions";
       "they showed no eagerness to spread the gospel"; "they
       disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority"; "he
       tried to explain his forwardness in battle" [syn:
       readiness, eagerness, zeal, forwardness]