first world: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It can be perceived as simplistic or judgmental, implying a hierarchy where 'first' is best. In sensitive contexts, more neutral terms like 'developed countries' or 'high-income economies' are preferred.

It's an ironic, humorous phrase for minor frustrations or inconveniences that are only possible in a context of privilege and wealth (e.g., the TV remote being out of reach, a favourite brand being out of stock).

Not exactly. 'The West' has cultural and political connotations, while 'first world' is primarily economic. Some first-world countries (e.g., Japan, Singapore, Australia) are not geographically 'Western'.

More nuanced classifications are used, such as the World Bank's income groups (low, middle, high-income) or the UN's classification of developed and developing regions. The old model is seen as too binary and politically charged.

The countries of the world considered most economically and industrially developed, with high standards of living and democratic political systems, originally aligned with the West during the Cold War.

First world is usually formal, academic, journalistic, ironic/colloquial (in 'first-world problems'). in register.

First world: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst ˈwɜːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːrst ˈwɜːrld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.