underdevelop

American  

[uhn-der-di-vel-uhp] / ˌʌn dər dɪˈvɛl əp /

verb (used with object)

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

   to underdevelop film.

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underdevelop British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• underdevelopment noun

Etymology

Origin of underdevelop

under- + develop

Example Sentences

“The onus is on employers to make sure they are not leaving talent underdeveloped.”

From MarketWatch

According to her Instagram post, Phillips was born with an underdeveloped kidney.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Processing facilities are struggling against high costs, exploration activities are underdeveloped and mining projects can take decades to get up and running, according to the report.

From The Wall Street Journal

I was three months premature; my lungs were underdeveloped; I weighed two pounds and barely spanned the length of the doctor’s hand.

From The Wall Street Journal