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

"Weak governance, poor oversight, ineffective escalation, and underdeveloped leadership created the conditions in which patients were seriously harmed," the chair added.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

It only takes one attention-grabbing and theologically underdeveloped topic for these competing incentives to create drama.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 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

“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