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

City officials were eager to gain control of the property, which is considered one of the largest underdeveloped sections of the city. —Patrick McGeehan, New York Times, 14 May 2024

The parasite is typically seen in underdeveloped countries where pigs come in contact with human feces, said Dr. Charles Bailey, the medical director for infection prevention at Providence St. Joseph and Providence Mission hospitals. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 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