underdeveloped

American  

[uhn-der-di-vel-uhpt] / ˌʌn dər dɪˈvɛl əpt /

adjective

1. improperly or insufficiently developed.

2. Photography. (of a negative) less developed than is normal, so as to produce a relatively dark positive lacking in contrast.

3. developing.

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underdeveloped British  

/ ˌʌndədɪˈvɛləpt /

adjective

1. immature or undersized

2. relating to societies in which both the surplus capital and the social organization necessary to advance are lacking

3. photog (of a film, plate, or print) processed in developer for less than the required time, thus lacking in contrast

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Etymology

Origin of underdeveloped

First recorded in 1890–95; under- + develop + -ed ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

underdeveloped

Confidence estimates are also lower for underdeveloped parts of the world, where a lack of consistent, long-term records limits attribution science's reach.

From Barron's ● Jul. 16, 2026

It only takes one attention-grabbing and theologically underdeveloped topic for these competing incentives to create drama.

From Slate ● Jun. 8, 2026

For him, there's a strong neurological factor – young men's attitude to sports, money, and prediction markets is down to what he describes as "an underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex and a high appetite for risk".

From BBC ● May 21, 2026

The country has the largest oil reserves in Africa but the years of fighting and instability have left them chronically underdeveloped.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 15, 2026

The white sand and pleasantly underdeveloped beachfront were spectacular and soothing.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• embryonic
• nascent
• undeveloped