digital divide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Academic / Sociological
Quick answer
What does “digital divide” mean?
The gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not.
The social and economic inequality created by differential access to, and use of, information and communication technologies (ICT). This includes disparities in digital literacy, connectivity, device quality, and the ability to use technology effectively for education, work, and civic participation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is identically used in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties carry strong connotations of social injustice, generational gaps, and regional inequality. It is a politically charged term.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, where the term was arguably popularized in policy discussions during the Clinton administration, but is extremely common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “digital divide” in a Sentence
the digital divide [between X and Y]the digital divide [in/within/among Z]the digital divide [facing/affecting Z]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital divide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pandemic has digitised many services, further digital-dividing the population.
- We must avoid policies that digital-divide communities.
American English
- The new subscription model risks digital-dividing users by income.
- Their approach digitally divides rather than unites.
adverb
British English
- The population is split digital-divide.
- They argued digital-divide about the root causes.
American English
- The community is organized, digital-divide, into haves and have-nots.
- He spoke digital-divide, focusing on access statistics.
adjective
British English
- The digital-divide issue is a priority for the council.
- They published a digital-divide impact assessment.
American English
- Digital-divide policies are under review.
- We need a digital-divide task force.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the limited market access and consumer base caused by lack of connectivity, and the need for digital upskilling of the workforce.
Academic
A key concept in sociology, media studies, and development economics, studied through surveys, indices, and policy analysis.
Everyday
Used when talking about older relatives struggling with online services, or rural areas having slow internet compared to cities.
Technical
Discussed in terms of broadband penetration rates, device ownership statistics, digital literacy scores, and network infrastructure maps.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital divide”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital divide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital divide”
- Incorrect: 'The digital divide between my old phone and my new one is huge.' (This misuses the term for a personal tech upgrade).
- Incorrect: 'There is a digital divide in internet speed.' (Too narrow; it's about access and use, not just speed).
- Incorrect plural: 'The digital divides are a problem.' (Acceptable but less common than the singular collective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While physical access (devices and connectivity) is a core part, the divide also encompasses digital literacy (skills to use technology effectively), the quality of access (slow vs. fast broadband), and the ability to use technology meaningfully for advancement.
Commonly affected groups include the elderly, low-income households, people in rural or remote areas, individuals with lower levels of education, and sometimes specific minority groups. It often intersects with and reinforces existing social inequalities.
Absolutely. While often discussed in a global North/South context, significant digital divides exist within wealthy nations, such as between urban and rural areas, or between affluent and impoverished school districts.
'Digital divide' describes the problem—the gap itself. 'Digital inclusion' is the solution-oriented goal and process of ensuring all individuals and communities have access to and can use information and communication technologies.
The gap between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not.
Digital divide is usually formal / academic / sociological in register.
Digital divide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl dɪˈvaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl dəˈvaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] on the wrong side of the digital divide”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a physical 'divide' like a canyon. On one side are people with laptops and fast Wi-Fi, on the other side are people with no internet. This 'canyon' is the 'digital divide'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS A BRIDGE / IGNORANCE IS DARKNESS. The divide is a chasm to be bridged; those on the wrong side are 'in the dark'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of an effort to 'bridge the digital divide'?