Fourth World

American

noun

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

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

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

From BBC

Honduras, chasing a fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 2014, were stunned 2-0 by Nicaragua in Managua to stand tied atop group C with Haiti, who beat Costa Rica 1-0.

From Barron's

A year ago at this race, Verstappen put himself on the brink of a fourth world title with a quite brilliant comeback drive from 17th on the grid to win.

From BBC

They lost last month to Slovakia in only their fourth World Cup qualifying defeat.

From BBC

Ivory Coast will secure a fourth World Cup appearance, and first since 2014, if they win and Gabon lose.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023