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
Those who don't risk being left behind with underdeveloped talent and stagnant performance in an increasingly demanding business landscape.
—
Michael Hudson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
In the right team composition, these characters can be valuable assets, but their kits are usually a little bit underdeveloped compared to A-Tier and especially S-Tier characters.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Maya’s character is woefully underdeveloped, seemingly defined by her cynical attitude, penchant for shoplifting and wobbly American accent.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Although large portions of the postcolonial world remained underdeveloped, and multilateral institutions disproportionately benefited the richest nations, there was space for reemerging noncommunist economies in Asia and Africa to assert their interests in the postwar order.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
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Michael Hudson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
In the right team composition, these characters can be valuable assets, but their kits are usually a little bit underdeveloped compared to A-Tier and especially S-Tier characters.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Maya’s character is woefully underdeveloped, seemingly defined by her cynical attitude, penchant for shoplifting and wobbly American accent.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Although large portions of the postcolonial world remained underdeveloped, and multilateral institutions disproportionately benefited the richest nations, there was space for reemerging noncommunist economies in Asia and Africa to assert their interests in the postwar order.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 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 27 Feb. 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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