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

Many countries are too unstable, underdeveloped, or corrupt to attract foreign capital and will likely stay trapped in stagnation. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Though the musical material doesn’t fully showcase Benanti’s Broadway talent and the solo work feels underdeveloped, her sharp, self-deprecating performance wins the audience over. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

To make matters worse, companies like Target—frustrated by an underdeveloped Southeast Asian factory ecosystem—are moving supply chains back to China. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

These organizations embrace five essential but underdeveloped skills, including curiosity and comfort with ambiguity. — Adi Ignatius, Harvard Business Review, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underdeveloped

• developed
• enveloped
• redeveloped
• undeveloped

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