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

Airtel Money operates in 13 markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional banking infrastructure is underdeveloped.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

Ames’ Julianne is underdeveloped, her family life a conceit of the play rather than a lived reality.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

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

“You probably have an underdeveloped frontal lobe. That’s where self-control comes from.”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson

Related Words

• embryonic
• nascent
• undeveloped