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Fourth World

American  

noun

  1. the world's most poverty-stricken nations, especially in Africa and Asia, marked by very low GNP per capita and great dependence upon foreign economic aid.


Fourth World British  

noun

  1. the poorest countries in the most undeveloped parts of the world in Africa, Asia, and Latin America

  2. the poorest people in developed countries

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Fourth World

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The 1995 work of what was officially called the U.N.’s Fourth World Conference on Women is considered a signal moment in women’s rights.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2020

The 1995 work of what was officially called the U.N.’s Fourth World Conference on Women is considered a signal moment in women’s rights.

From Washington Times • Sep. 29, 2020

In 1995, as the First Lady, she attended the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, in Beijing, and delivered a speech titled “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights.”

From The New Yorker • Jul. 10, 2019

Kirby’s work often played with pagan mythologies or made up new pantheons, but the Fourth World might be his most Judeo-Christian work, as Tom King learned when working on “Mister Miracle.”

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2017

The Warrior Twins used rainbow paths during the time of the Enemies of the Fourth World.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young