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
Examples of underdeveloped in a Sentence
The baby was born with underdeveloped lungs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Why does almost every punch line feel overworked and underdeveloped?
—
Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026
Although Bansal and Birkinshaw argue that leaders must broaden their view, adopt a multi-stakeholder perspective, and resist quick fixes, those capabilities do not arise from technique alone; they are grounded in character, and that character is often underdeveloped or imbalanced.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Along with epilepsy, Benjamin also has cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment and severe vision impairment caused by underdeveloped optic nerves and malformations in the visual centers of his brain.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
The likes of Paramount have launched book imprints for original productions and development projects to better manage the process, but broadly screen-to-books can be considered an underdeveloped space.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026
Although Bansal and Birkinshaw argue that leaders must broaden their view, adopt a multi-stakeholder perspective, and resist quick fixes, those capabilities do not arise from technique alone; they are grounded in character, and that character is often underdeveloped or imbalanced.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Along with epilepsy, Benjamin also has cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment and severe vision impairment caused by underdeveloped optic nerves and malformations in the visual centers of his brain.
—Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
The likes of Paramount have launched book imprints for original productions and development projects to better manage the process, but broadly screen-to-books can be considered an underdeveloped space.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
Cite this Entry
“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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