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

While much of “Fatherland” feels underdeveloped, it is to Ms. Shorr’s credit that she has let Martin remain a disturbing enigma.

From The Wall Street Journal

“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

Related Words

• embryonic
• nascent
• undeveloped