underdeveloped

adjective

un·der·de·vel·oped | \ ˌən-dər-di-ˈve-ləpt

Definition of underdeveloped

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

Other Words from underdeveloped More Example Sentences Learn More About underdeveloped

Examples of underdeveloped in a Sentence

The baby was born with underdeveloped lungs.

Recent Examples on the Web The implant is specifically for patients with microtia, a rare congenital ailment where the outer ear is either underdeveloped or doesn't exist at all. — Li Cohen, CBS News, 2 June 2022 In addition, though Nekoda elevates her role as El’s peppy sidekick, the character exists solely to service the male arc and is achingly underdeveloped. — Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 May 2022 His 11-sack breakout season in 2021 highlighted his immense upside as a pass rusher, but his limited experience (just 36 defensive snaps prior to last season) has left him underdeveloped and a liability against the run. — Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2022 As colonies the Caribbean nations were pillaged for resources and left underdeveloped. — Kehinde Andrews, CNN, 30 Mar. 2022 The problem is worse in developing and underdeveloped countries, as over one-third of the world's population is still offline. — Ritesh Mukherjee, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 As a character, Dean is far too oily and underdeveloped to warrant his screen time (or redemptive potential), while security guard Frank receives from the writers even less. — Washington Post, 22 Apr. 2022 But there remain pockets of opportunity that foreign investors are watching, given India’s still-underdeveloped digital economy. — Jacky Wong, WSJ, 31 Jan. 2022 Synthesis skills are underdeveloped, severely impacting the data companies collect. — Forrester, Forbes, 5 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underdeveloped.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.