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
The bold, salty flavors were a little overwhelming for my underdeveloped palate.
—
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
Gregory was born prematurely and lived just three days due to an underdeveloped heart.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
Her depiction of everyday human interaction is rich and persuasive, but the larger world her characters inhabit feels underdeveloped.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
The comedy is a tonal mess, veering between underdeveloped jokes and unearned sentiment.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
Gregory was born prematurely and lived just three days due to an underdeveloped heart.
—Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025
Her depiction of everyday human interaction is rich and persuasive, but the larger world her characters inhabit feels underdeveloped.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
The comedy is a tonal mess, veering between underdeveloped jokes and unearned sentiment.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
Cite this Entry
“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdeveloped. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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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