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 Premature birth: Some babies born early have underdeveloped small intestines that have not had time to produce lactase efficiently. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024 That could be possible if the team finds a way to fund a new home on an underdeveloped, 62-acre site near the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Clark Street. Phil Rogers, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Passages that should be romantic are composed to be matter-of-fact, and on the whole, Ricki’s voice feels underdeveloped. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 But the most important themes are underdeveloped or contradicted. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 8 Feb. 2024 Goli might be too young (and underdeveloped as a character) to pose urgent enigmas, but Omid more than makes up for the shortfall with revelations about his background that raise questions about his enrollment in the course. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2024 Both are restive, mineral-rich, and largely underdeveloped. Asif Shahzad and Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Jan. 2024 Infants are particularly susceptible to infections, given their underdeveloped immune systems and lack of immunizations early in life. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024 In an underdeveloped country with lots of labor, that’s a straightforward way to boost GDP. Dominic Pino, National Review, 20 Dec. 2023

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.

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 29 Mar. 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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