The word noncivilized is often used to describe a group of people or a society that is considered to be primitive, uncivilized or underdeveloped. Antonyms for the word noncivilized include civilized, cultured, sophisticated, polished, refined, advanced, and modern. These words are used to describe a group of people or a society that is considered to have reached a high level of development, education, and refinement. Civilized societies are characterized by the presence of institutions that promote education, health, and work, and they have advanced technologies, legal systems, and social structures. Thus, while noncivilized implies backwardness or primitivism, civilized societies are often seen as models of progress and development.