third-world
third-world — phrase
1. a dated label for countries with weaker industry and lower average incomes, espe
a dated label for countries with weaker industry and lower average incomes, especially in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America; many people now avoid it because it can sound insulting
An old textbook grouped Peru with other third-world countries in one chapter.
third-world countries
In a 1980s interview, the host kept saying the Third World without explaining it.
The charity removed third-world from its website after local partners objected.
drop the label third-world
Soraya said third-world countries hid big differences between Peru and Ghana.
- third-world country
- third-world debt
- third-world conditions
- the Third World
- developing world
is a broader and usually less offensive modern label
- Global South
is a newer political and economic term with different emphasis
- developed world
refers to richer and more industrialized countries as a group
- Global North
is the modern counterpart term in political discussion
Grammar Patterns
third-world country
third-world conditions
the Third World
Usage Note
Usually appears in older writing, quotations, or criticism of older development language. Many modern writers prefer developing countries or Global South instead.
Common Mistakes
2. the countries that, during the Cold War, were not allied with either the Soviet
the countries that, during the Cold War, were not allied with either the Soviet bloc or the Western bloc
During the summit, Felix studied how Third World leaders balanced both superpowers.
Third World leaders
The documentary explains why India spoke for many third-world states in the 1960s.
In his lecture, Christopher questioned whether Third World hid big political differences.
At school, Diya learned that some third-world countries joined the Non-Aligned Movement.
Cold War: join the Non-Aligned Movement
- Third World leaders
- third-world states
- Third World politics
- Third World solidarity
- non-aligned countries
is the plainer historical term for states outside both blocs
- Non-Aligned Movement
names the organized movement, not every country in it
- Western bloc
refers to the countries aligned with the United States and its allies
- Soviet bloc
refers to the countries aligned with the Soviet Union
Grammar Patterns
Third World leaders
third-world states
Third World politics
Usage Note
Mainly used in Cold War history and diplomacy. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about political non-alignment, not just economic disadvantage.
3. a figurative name for minority groups living inside a larger culture that holds
a figurative name for minority groups living inside a larger culture that holds most of the power
The essay calls migrant districts the city's Third World, a phrase critics rejected.
the city's Third World
Vinícius argued that prisons create a hidden Third World inside wealthy countries.
In class, Adina challenged a headline that called poor suburbs third-world.
third-world as a critical headline label
The mayor denied that any district in the capital was a hidden Third World.
- the city's Third World
- a hidden Third World
- third-world metaphor
- Third World within
- marginalized communities
is the neutral modern term for groups pushed to the edge of society
- underclass
is narrower and often stresses long-term social exclusion
- mainstream society
refers to the dominant social group or culture
- dominant culture
stresses the group with the most power and influence
Grammar Patterns
the city's Third World
a hidden Third World
third-world metaphor
Usage Note
This figurative use is strongly evaluative and often sounds harsh or provocative. Distinguish it from senses 1 and 2: it refers to excluded groups inside a richer society, not to countries themselves.
Etymology
English formed this expression from third and world during the Cold War. It first named countries seen as outside the two main power blocs, then broadened into a label for poorer or less industrialized countries, and later gained figurative uses for marginalized groups inside richer societies. Because of that history, many people now see the term as dated or offensive.
First known use
1958
1958, in the meaning defined at sense 2