left behind by progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left behind by progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals, groups, or things that have not kept up with advancements or developments in society, technology, or other areas. Example: "Many rural communities feel they have been left behind by progress as urban areas continue to thrive and develop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The Islamic world is an economic and intellectual basket case, the part of the potentially civilized world most left behind by progress," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Tackling pollution, which invariably hurts the poor more than the affluent, has become a third.As in India, this renewed concern about discontent among those left behind by progress is tempering liberalisation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There are steps we can take to level the playing field for those left behind by uneven progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of jettisoning the members of society who feel left behind by technological progress, we need to include them in the jobs created by innovation.

TechCrunch

Dismayed by the growing number of Tibetans unable to decipher the written form of their mother tongue, he dreamed of a sanctuary where young Tibetans left behind by China's progress could study their culture and pass it on to the next generation.

The New York Times

It forced the world's attention onto those sections of the community left behind by the rapid progress in technology, highlighting the downward spiral of those unable to access the advantages of development.

Health Research Policy and Systems

We work to ensure every child is protected, healthy and educated, focusing on the children left behind by wider economic and social progress.

UNICEF

But their progress was slowed by roadside bombs left behind by the militants, and IS unleashed a series of suicide car and truck bomb attacks, one of which struck a Kurdish tank.

The Guardian

Mr. Moreno also spoke of children being left behind by development, drawing attention to the national averages that are used to measure counties' progress toward the Millennium Development Goals.

Unicef

Photo of "Left Behind" by Sarah Pulliam Bailey.

The Washington Post

Shunning progress would be as futile now as the Luddites' protests against mechanised looms were in the 1810s, because any country that tried to stop would be left behind by competitors eager to embrace new technology.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider specifying which type of progress is leaving people behind (e.g., economic progress, technological progress) to provide a clearer understanding of the issue.

Common error

Don't use "left behind by progress" as a blanket statement without acknowledging the complex factors at play. Consider intersectionality, historical context, and specific policy failures contributing to the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left behind by progress" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being disadvantaged or excluded as a result of societal or technological advancements. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left behind by progress" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe individuals, groups, or communities that have not benefited from societal or technological advancements. According to Ludwig, the phrase is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it is important to provide context and avoid oversimplification, recognizing the complex factors contributing to the issue. Alternatives include "marginalized by progress", "excluded from advancement", and "overlooked by development", offering varying nuances. It is a valuable phrase for empathetically highlighting disparities and prompting action for a more equitable distribution of progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Marginalized by progress

Focuses on being pushed to the margins of society due to advancements.

Excluded from advancement

Highlights the lack of access to opportunities created by progress.

Overlooked by development

Emphasizes being ignored or forgotten in the course of societal development.

Disadvantaged by innovation

Specifically relates the disadvantage to the effects of innovation.

Bypassed by progress

Indicates that progress has moved forward without including certain groups or areas.

Stranded by progress

Conveys a sense of being isolated or abandoned due to advancements.

Neglected in development

Stresses the lack of attention or care given during periods of growth.

Victims of progress

Suggests a more negative and impactful consequence of progress.

Sacrificed to progress

Implies that something has been deliberately given up for the sake of advancement.

Outpaced by advancement

Highlights the speed of advancement leaving entities behind.

FAQs

How can I use "left behind by progress" in a sentence?

You can use "left behind by progress" to describe groups or communities that have not benefited from societal or technological advancements. For example: "Many rural communities feel "they have been left behind by progress" as urban areas thrive."

What are some alternatives to saying "left behind by progress"?

Alternatives include "marginalized by progress", "excluded from advancement", or "overlooked by development", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "left behind by progress" in formal writing?

Yes, "left behind by progress" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it is used accurately and empathetically to describe the impacts of progress on specific groups or communities. It's important to provide context and avoid generalizations.

What's the difference between "left behind by progress" and "victims of progress"?

"Left behind by progress" suggests a lack of benefit from advancements, while "victims of progress" implies a more direct and negative consequence. The latter suggests that progress has actively harmed or disadvantaged the affected group.