Luddites

Cultural  

1. Opponents of the introduction of labor-saving machinery. The original Luddites, followers of a legendary Ned Ludd, were British laborers of the early nineteenth century who smashed textile-making machines that threatened their jobs.

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Contemporary opponents of technological change are sometimes called “Luddites.”

Example Sentences

Professors who are Luddites or have used the same syllabus for years sometimes struggle to get out of that state of inertia, Cook said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Neither technologists nor Luddites, these leaders share a taste for challenging the status quo and a resolute determination to fix something that matters—and are willing to learn whatever is necessary to do it.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Call me a Luddite, but I’ll take it as a compliment—after all, Luddites started the original rebellion against Big Tech.

From Slate • Dec. 26, 2023

Just like the Luddites did to the power looms.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2023

Besides, as you say, it would be very difficult to prove that his expressions applied to the Luddites, although every one may understand what he means.

From Through the Fray A Tale of the Luddite Riots by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)