inward-looking
inward-looking — adjective
1. describes a person, group, or country that stays focused on its own traditions a
describes a person, group, or country that stays focused on its own traditions and beliefs and shows little interest in outside ideas, other cultures, or collaboration across cultural and geographic boundaries.
The country's inward-looking trade policies made it difficult for foreign companies to enter the market.
inward-looking + trade policies — economic/political context
Mei felt frustrated by her town's inward-looking attitude toward immigrants.
Ziad criticized the university's inward-looking approach, which rarely invited guest speakers from other countries.
The company's inward-looking culture meant employees rarely learned from international business partners.
After decades of inward-looking government, the country struggled to catch up with global technology.
- insular
more formal; emphasises physical or cultural isolation from the outside world
- parochial
focuses on a narrow local perspective, often with religious or community overtones
- provincial
suggests a limited worldview associated with rural or remote areas
- narrow-minded
more about individual attitudes; less about group/country-level policy
- outward-looking
direct antonym — open to outside ideas and international cooperation
- open-minded
focuses on individual willingness to consider new ideas
- cosmopolitan
suggests active engagement with and appreciation of diverse cultures
文法句型
inward-looking + noun (policies, approach, culture, attitude, government)
用法筆記
Commonly used to describe countries, organizations, or communities rather than individuals. Often appears in political, economic, or social commentary.