ENGLISH
REFERENCE

technophobic

adj.
C1 Advanced Computing
Definition

adj. describing someone who is afraid of or dislikes modern technology. You use this for people who find computers or new gadgets confusing and try to avoid using them.

adj. characterised by a fear, dislike, or avoidance of new technology, especially computers and complex electronic devices. Often used to describe individuals who resist digital transformation or feel overwhelmed by rapid technological change.


SIMPLE

My grandfather is quite technophobic and refuses to use a smartphone.

CONTEXTUAL

The company struggled to implement the new software because several senior managers were surprisingly technophobic.

COMPLEX

While the younger generation adapts almost instinctively to digital interfaces, technophobic older adults may require targeted support to navigate essential online services.

Origin

Formed from the combining elements techno- and -phobic, derived from the Ancient Greek tékhnē, meaning art or craft, and phóbos, meaning fear.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become', or precedes a noun to describe a person's attitude.

Related words

Last updated July 22, 2026