# intermediate technology

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intermediate-technology
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

technology that is simple, affordable, and matched to the skills and resources of a developing region — usually small-scale and labour-intensive rather than highly automated. It is also called appropriate technology.

For teachers: A design philosophy, associated with economist E. F. Schumacher, favouring tools and methods that are small-scale, affordable, locally maintainable, and suited to the resources of developing communities — a middle path between traditional methods and large capital-intensive technology. Often used interchangeably with "appropriate technology".

## Examples

- A hand-powered water pump is a classic piece of intermediate technology.
- The charity promotes intermediate technology so that villagers can build and repair the equipment themselves.
- Rather than importing costly automated machinery, the program championed intermediate technology that local workers could assemble and maintain using materials already available in the region.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.