underdeveloped

adjective

un·​der·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-dər-di-ˈve-ləpt How to pronounce underdeveloped (audio)
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
underdevelopment noun

Examples of underdeveloped in a Sentence

The baby was born with underdeveloped lungs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underdeveloped was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

underdeveloped

adjective
un·​der·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt How to pronounce underdeveloped (audio)
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 How to pronounce underdeveloped (audio)
: not normally or adequately developed
underdeveloped muscles
underdeveloped lungs

More from Merriam-Webster on underdeveloped

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