Luddites

Cultural  

1. Opponents of the introduction of labor-saving machinery. The original Luddites, followers of a legendary Ned Ludd, were British laborers of the early nineteenth century who smashed textile-making machines that threatened their jobs.

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Contemporary opponents of technological change are sometimes called “Luddites.”

Example Sentences

The Gray Lady’s dreary Luddites are as suspicious of Times management as they are of Silicon Valley.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Neither technologists nor Luddites, these leaders share a taste for challenging the status quo and a resolute determination to fix something that matters—and are willing to learn whatever is necessary to do it.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

What’s more, it’s a way to engage in a kind of history that points toward a different kind of world, without being accused of being Luddites or becoming toxic nostalgics.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

Just like the Luddites did to the power looms.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2023

Bill had dropped in, and they sat talking of the doings of the Luddites till it was later than usual.

From Through the Fray A Tale of the Luddite Riots by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)