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
Key areas such as enforcement, municipal financing, regulatory capacity, public awareness, and integration of the informal sector also remain underdeveloped.
—
Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
An underdeveloped subplot sees Temir befriend Alika (Jaliyah Richards), a self-conscious Nigerian-American girl from his wrestling class, while a contrastingly fanciful one concerns Azik’s capturing of a likewise far-from-home pelican to cheer up the heavily pregnant and bone-weary Zalya.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 May 2026
Taira showed excellent heart and cardio, but ultimately his poor striking defense and underdeveloped offensive striking were too much for the challenger to overcome.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Sure, the fight itself is visually choppy and barely supported by the underdeveloped beats that get us there.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
An underdeveloped subplot sees Temir befriend Alika (Jaliyah Richards), a self-conscious Nigerian-American girl from his wrestling class, while a contrastingly fanciful one concerns Azik’s capturing of a likewise far-from-home pelican to cheer up the heavily pregnant and bone-weary Zalya.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 May 2026
Taira showed excellent heart and cardio, but ultimately his poor striking defense and underdeveloped offensive striking were too much for the challenger to overcome.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Sure, the fight itself is visually choppy and barely supported by the underdeveloped beats that get us there.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 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 19 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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