technology-disabled

[/ˌtɛknˈɒlədʒi dɪsˈeɪbəld/]
adjective
com dificuldade com tecnologia; tecnofóbico; avesso à tecnologia
1. Lacking competence, confidence, or comfort in using technology; unable or unwilling to engage with digital devices and software effectively
My grandmother is technology-disabled and prefers to communicate by phone rather than email.
Minha avó tem dificuldade com tecnologia e prefere se comunicar por telefone em vez de email.
2. Describing someone who struggles with basic digital literacy or technical skills
The company provides extra training for technology-disabled employees.
A empresa oferece treinamento extra para funcionários com dificuldades tecnológicas.
The term is increasingly used in both Brazilian and American contexts to describe the growing digital divide, particularly among older generations and those without access to technology education. In Brazil, it's often used sympathetically in workplace diversity programs, while in the US it may carry slightly more negative connotations. The term reflects broader societal concerns about digital inclusion and equity.
NYC Slang
not-wired; tech-challenged; old-school
Synonyms / Sinônimos
technologically challengedtech-illiteratedigitally challengedtechnology-aversenon-tech-savvy
Antonyms / Antônimos
tech-savvytechnologically proficientdigitally literatetechnology-enabled

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
com dificuldade com tecnologia; tecnofóbico
Most commonly used in professional and educational contexts
Rio de Janeiro
desligado da tecnologia
More colloquial variant used in casual speech
São Paulo
incompetente em tecnologia
More formal business usage
Portugal
com dificuldades tecnológicas; avesso à tecnologia
Portuguese variant emphasizes avoidance rather than inability

Related Words

digital literacytechnological competencetech anxietycomputer skillsdigital dividetechnophobia

Related Idioms & Phrases

stuck in the Stone Age
not keeping up with the times
behind the times
a dinosaur when it comes to technology
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