underdeveloped
adjective
un·der·de·vel·oped
ˌən-dər-di-ˈve-ləpt 
1
: not normally or adequately developed
underdeveloped muscles
underdeveloped film
2
: having a relatively low economic level of industrial production and standard of living (as from lack of capital)
underdeveloped nations
Examples of underdeveloped in a Sentence
The baby was born with underdeveloped lungs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Several commissioners praised the developers for building such a huge project in an underdeveloped area.
—
Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 14 June 2024
In both the novel and the show, male characters are also far more dominant than female ones, many of whom are underdeveloped, subject to violence, and given much less attention.
—Li Zhou, Vox, 29 May 2024
As a spy, his motivations are still quite obscure (or underdeveloped) to us.
—Terry Nguyen, Vulture, 5 May 2024
But this falls short as well because of overly tight controls on currency flows, an exchange rate that does not freely float, significantly underdeveloped financial markets, and concerns of political stability.
—The Enquirer, 12 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underdeveloped 
Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 14 June 2024
In both the novel and the show, male characters are also far more dominant than female ones, many of whom are underdeveloped, subject to violence, and given much less attention.
—Li Zhou, Vox, 29 May 2024
As a spy, his motivations are still quite obscure (or underdeveloped) to us.
—Terry Nguyen, Vulture, 5 May 2024
But this falls short as well because of overly tight controls on currency flows, an exchange rate that does not freely float, significantly underdeveloped financial markets, and concerns of political stability.
—The Enquirer, 12 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underdeveloped
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underdeveloped.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underdeveloped
Cite this Entry
“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underdeveloped
adjective
un·der·de·vel·oped
ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt
1
: not developed normally or enough
underdeveloped muscles
2
: having a low level of industrial production and standard of living
the underdeveloped nations
Medical Definition
underdeveloped
adjective
un·der·de·vel·oped
ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt
: not normally or adequately developed
underdeveloped muscles
underdeveloped lungs
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