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
Research has found that multi-micronutrient supplementation improves maternal and child health outcomes, particularly in underdeveloped countries.2
Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy improves vitamin B12 status during and after pregnancy.
—
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025
Every leader has the opportunity to assess their strength of character relative to the 11 dimensions and to understand whether what could be a virtue manifests as a deficient (underdeveloped) or an excess (unsupported) vice, which could compromise judgment and well-being.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Even though return volumes are rising, reverse supply chains are actually underdeveloped.
—Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
In the decades since, Congress has continued to reauthorize the program with an emphasis on international food security in the underdeveloped world.
— Made By History, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025
Every leader has the opportunity to assess their strength of character relative to the 11 dimensions and to understand whether what could be a virtue manifests as a deficient (underdeveloped) or an excess (unsupported) vice, which could compromise judgment and well-being.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Even though return volumes are rising, reverse supply chains are actually underdeveloped.
—Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
In the decades since, Congress has continued to reauthorize the program with an emphasis on international food security in the underdeveloped world.
— Made By History, Time, 23 Apr. 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 22 May. 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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