digital divide

American  

[dij-i-tl di-vahyd] / ˈdɪdʒ ɪ tl dɪˈvaɪd /

noun

1. the socioeconomic and other disparities between those people who have opportunities and skills enabling them to benefit from digital resources, especially the internet, and those who do not have these opportunities or skills.

   programs that help to bridge the digital divide between rich and poor countries.

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digital divide British  

noun

1. informal the gap between those people who have internet access and those who do not

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digital divide Cultural  

1. A term that describes the division of the world into two camps, those who have access to the Internet and other advanced information technologies and those who don't. The term highlights the issue that those who do not have access to such technology are potentially destined to futures where they will be at an economic disadvantage.

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In domestic political terms in the United States, the divide is between educated, well-off members of society and those who are less well-off.

In geopolitical terms, the divide is between the developed and the developing nations, or, roughly speaking, between the North and the South.

Etymology

Origin of digital divide

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Proponents said it can elevate instruction, narrow the digital divide, help pupils with language barriers and other needs—while often supplementing, not replacing, core curriculum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

Moreover, many Indian startups are now using AI to tackle real-world challenges for millions still on the wrong side of the digital divide.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

In Los Angeles, the federal program has played an important role in the county’s effort to close the digital divide, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The consequences of this digital divide are far-reaching.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2024

That means we must close the digital divide between those who have these tools and those who don't.

From State of the Union Address by Clinton, William Jefferson