underdevelop

[uhn-der-di-vel-uhp]

verb (used with object)

1. to develop (something) short of the required amount.

   to underdevelop film.

underdevelop

/ ˌʌndədɪˈvɛləp /

verb

1. (tr) photog to process (a film, plate, or paper) in developer for less than the required time, or at too low a temperature, or in an exhausted solution

Other Word Forms

• underdevelopment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underdevelop¹

under- + develop

Example Sentences

“Exit barriers are a key reason for India’s underdeveloped manufacturing sector,” said Shoumitro Chatterjee, co-author of a new paper on Indian manufacturing and an assistant professor of international economics at Johns Hopkins University.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Too much leads to flabby and underdeveloped minds.

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Maoist-affected regions remain among India's poorest and most underdeveloped, despite rich natural resources, with ordinary citizens - especially tribal communities- bearing the heaviest burden.

Read more on BBC

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."

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It’s left to the cast to do the best sales job with this underdeveloped material.

Read more on Los Angeles Times