underdeveloped

adjective

un·​der·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-dər-di-ˈve-ləpt 

1

: not normally or adequately developed

underdeveloped muscles

underdeveloped film

2

: having a relatively low economic level of industrial production and standard of living (as from lack of capital)

underdeveloped nations

underdevelopment

ˌən-dər-di-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

noun

Examples of underdeveloped in a Sentence

The baby was born with underdeveloped lungs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, Vietnam operates under a one-party system where media is strictly controlled; too many journalists, artists and activists languish in prison; the infrastructure is underdeveloped; and many struggle to put food on the table. —Nick Hilden, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2024

But this falls short as well because of overly tight controls on currency flows, an exchange rate that does not freely float, significantly underdeveloped financial markets, and concerns of political stability. —The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024

Yet in certain countries that are less affluent, and where the financial system is still underdeveloped, digital banks can play an important role in boosting financial inclusion. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

After veterinarian visits and X-rays, the Rivas family learned that Louie was suffering from an underdeveloped pelvis and genetic hip dysplasia that would leave the dog in apparent pain with extended walking or running. —Shahid Meighan, The Enquirer, 19 Jan. 2024

Some of these story elements feel underdeveloped, particularly the unresolved story of Renata and Laurentino. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2023

Premature birth: Some babies born early have underdeveloped small intestines that have not had time to produce lactase efficiently. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2024

That could be possible if the team finds a way to fund a new home on an underdeveloped, 62-acre site near the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Clark Street. —Phil Rogers, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

Passages that should be romantic are composed to be matter-of-fact, and on the whole, Ricki’s voice feels underdeveloped. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

underdeveloped

adjective

un·​der·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt 

1

: not developed normally or enough

underdeveloped muscles

2

: having a low level of industrial production and standard of living

the underdeveloped nations

Medical Definition

underdeveloped

adjective

un·​der·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt 

: not normally or adequately developed

underdeveloped muscles

underdeveloped lungs