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 report also found a significant potential conflict of interest issue, regarding one of its board members, who owns underdeveloped property in the district.
—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
What is often misunderstood is that any of these virtuous behaviors can manifest as deficient vices when underdeveloped and as excess vices when strong but unsupported by the other 10 character dimensions, as evidenced by Steve Jobs.
—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Yet within that gap lies a major, underdeveloped opportunity.
—
Sanda Ojiambo,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Strictly talking about the on-field outlook, Sorsby is a very talented, yet underdeveloped quarterback prospect.
—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
What is often misunderstood is that any of these virtuous behaviors can manifest as deficient vices when underdeveloped and as excess vices when strong but unsupported by the other 10 character dimensions, as evidenced by Steve Jobs.
—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Yet within that gap lies a major, underdeveloped opportunity.
—
Sanda Ojiambo,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Strictly talking about the on-field outlook, Sorsby is a very talented, yet underdeveloped quarterback prospect.
—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
23 June 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 30 Jun. 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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