underdeveloped

[uhn-der-di-vel-uhpt]

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.

underdeveloped

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of underdeveloped¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From 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."

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, rural communities fall further behind in the digital economy, creating a commons of connectivity that remains tragically underdeveloped, while urban areas enjoy multiple high-speed options.

From Salon

Yet much of the American interior, as any intelligent foreign visitor would notice, is economically and culturally backward: systematically underdeveloped, with decaying or inadequate infrastructure and limited educational opportunities.

From Salon

Related Words

• embryonic 
• nascent 
• undeveloped