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

While much of “Fatherland” feels underdeveloped, it is to Ms. Shorr’s credit that she has let Martin remain a disturbing enigma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Brazil tilts more toward financials and commodities—it is one of the world’s major sources of iron ore, and has vast, underdeveloped rare-earth deposits.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Instead, U.S. markets have been left in the shade this year by international rivals, including developed markets, underdeveloped “emerging” markets, and even the really undeveloped “frontier” markets.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 26, 2025

Former Labour MP Baroness Berger said: "It is really unfortunate that the House of Lords is having to interrogate such an underdeveloped piece of legislation that hasn't yet been properly scrutinised."

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

In part, that was because the Mutual, operating in the vacuum of the segregated and underdeveloped South, quickly assumed a range of functions and responsibilities far beyond those of a mere insurance company.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• embryonic
• nascent
• undeveloped