third world

Proper noun capitalized: Third World

the Third World

1. (historical) Those countries not aligned with the west or the east during the Cold War.
2. (derogatory, sometimes) Developing countries, especially those of Africa, Asia and Latin America.
   • Our district has many immigrants from Third World countries
   • How about — take a deep breath — eliminating the subsidies to American farmers that keep Third World farmers from being able to make a living selling their products?2003 May 3, John H. McWhorter, “Hating Whitey Worldwide”, in Manhattan Institute, archived from the original on 27 Feb 2025

   Synonyms:

   Global South

   Antonyms:

   First World

3. (attributive, derogatory, informal) Any developing country, or a country lacking the perceived internationally respected ideal standards of a society (e.g. sufficient rule of law and internationally respected level of prosperity).
   • In some instances, the U.S.’s performance is downright abysmal, far below foreign countries that are snidely looked-down-upon as “third world.”2014 March 5, Sean McElwee, “Six Ways America Is Like a Third-World Country”, in Rolling Stone, archived from the original on 16 Apr 2021
   • […] "IT IS LIKEWISE A CONTINUING ATTACK ON OUR ONCE FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS. THE USA IS NOW A THIRD WORLD NATION, A NATION IN SERIOUS DECLINE. SO SAD!"[…]"The ruling party is trying to jail the opposition leader like a third world dictatorship! It's happening before your very eyes," Trump Jr. said...2023 March 31, John Haltiwanger, “Trump and his sons say his indictment makes the US like a 'third world' country, but plenty of other democracies have prosecuted ex-leaders”, in Business Insider...
4. People of marginalized or exploited races, collectively.
   • Although it has been publicized that 1/3 of the musicians are women of color. these women were chosen without consulting the Third World Women's community.1981 April 11, Maxine Feldman et. al., “East Coast Women's Festival”, in Gay Community News, page 5