undeveloped

adjective

un·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-di-ˈve-ləpt 

-dē-

: not developed : lacking in development

undeveloped natural resources

undeveloped potential

undeveloped film

undeveloped seeds

: such as

a

: not used for building, farming, industry, etc.

undeveloped land

an area of undeveloped wilderness

b

: having a relatively low level of industrialization and standard of living

undeveloped countries/nations

Examples of undeveloped in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wells was located on July 6 on the northwest end of Horn Island, an undeveloped strip of land off the coast of Mississippi that is a favorite gathering spot for locals. — Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

The Threat Of Humans While the sea turtle nests on nearby undeveloped barrier islands face threats from predators such as wild boars, coyotes, or raccoons, the nests on Tybee face unique challenges due to the high volume of visitors and locals. — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Until the zoo was built, the former World War II-era blimp base had remained largely undeveloped. — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Wells, who played football at Southwest Mississippi Community College, went missing during a Fourth of July celebration with high school friends on Horn Island, a popular undeveloped island just south of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, officials said. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for undeveloped

• underdeveloped
• developed
• enveloped
• redeveloped

Medical Definition

undeveloped

adjective

un·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-di-ˈvel-əpt 

: lacking in development : not developed

physiologically undeveloped