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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Sure, the continent faces several significant challenges, not least with its relatively underdeveloped digital infrastructure. Sandy Carter, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 For now, however, the Web3 infrastructure M&A landscape remains an underdeveloped frontier, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges of building the foundation for the future of finance. Tomer Niv, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The character navigates a couple of major changes over the course of the play, yet somehow feels underdeveloped in ways that undercut the potency of his big moments. Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024 Developing Financial Infrastructure In some parts of Central and Southeastern Europe, the financial infrastructure remains underdeveloped, limiting access to sophisticated investment products and banking services. Francois Botha, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near underdeveloped

Cite this Entry

“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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