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.
The Act 2 swirl where post-flight Larry becomes a media curiosity feels underdeveloped. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025 Popoola emphasizes that while Africa has the resources, workforce, and untapped potential the global economy needs, underdeveloped intermediary systems and fragmented regulations remain barriers to entry. Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Even for well-meaning, high-performing leaders, the ability to pass the baton is a rare and often underdeveloped skill. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 Their business faces other barriers: A plot point that sees the twins stealing electricity for the juke joint recalls the fact that most of the South, kept poor and underdeveloped by the demands of the segregated economy, didn’t have electricity until the New Deal, under FDR. Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 2 May 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 15 Jun. 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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