developed

1 of 2

adjective

de·​vel·​oped di-ˈve-ləpt 

dē-

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

a developed country

developed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of develop

Synonyms of developed

Adjective

• evolved
• improved
• advanced
• higher

Examples of developed in a Sentence

Adjective

The disease is almost unheard of in developed countries.

The younger plant has a less developed root system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Income and wealth inequality in America are much higher than in almost every other developed nation. — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

The story here is that investors are looking for long-term safety as government debt across the developed world continues to grow. — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

The public evidence regarding Iran is considerably less developed — something Ford Maldonado acknowledged when pressed by Fox News Digital. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plan to cut taxes on food are aimed at boosting consumer spending and growth but could likely add to what is already the highest public debt level in the developed world. — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see develop

First Known Use

Adjective

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing developed

• hyper-developed
• well-developed

Rhymes for developed

• redeveloped
• undeveloped
• enveloped
• underdeveloped

Kids Definition

developed

adjective

de·​vel·​oped di-ˈvel-əpt 

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

a developed country