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
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 
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.
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
Dictionary Entries Near underdeveloped
Cite this Entry
“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share