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
Much of it, as with all of Ukraine’s critical minerals industry, is underdeveloped because of war as well as onerous state policies.
—
Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
In the end, Redwood's resolution to Jesse's healing journey feels abrupt, a consequence of too many underdeveloped characters.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Springer is a talented defensive player, but his offensive game is underdeveloped, and his experience in high-leverage situations is limited.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
But in the global south, the publish-or-perish edict runs up against underdeveloped research infrastructures and education systems, leaving scientists in a bind.
—Guillaume Cabanac, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
In the end, Redwood's resolution to Jesse's healing journey feels abrupt, a consequence of too many underdeveloped characters.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Springer is a talented defensive player, but his offensive game is underdeveloped, and his experience in high-leverage situations is limited.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
But in the global south, the publish-or-perish edict runs up against underdeveloped research infrastructures and education systems, leaving scientists in a bind.
—Guillaume Cabanac, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
Cite this Entry
“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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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