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
Like many children born to mothers infected with Zika while pregnant, Tamara had microcephaly — an underdeveloped brain.
—
Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 Nov. 2025
Earlier this week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that relocating the capital may become unavoidable due to overcrowding and ecological strain, suggesting an underdeveloped region in southeastern Iran as a potential site.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
Chris Koch, from Alberta, Canada, was born with underdeveloped arms and legs, but that's not stopping him from participating in the half-marathon this weekend.
—Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
The bold, salty flavors were a little overwhelming for my underdeveloped palate.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Ari Daniel, NPR, 29 Nov. 2025
Earlier this week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that relocating the capital may become unavoidable due to overcrowding and ecological strain, suggesting an underdeveloped region in southeastern Iran as a potential site.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
Chris Koch, from Alberta, Canada, was born with underdeveloped arms and legs, but that's not stopping him from participating in the half-marathon this weekend.
—Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
The bold, salty flavors were a little overwhelming for my underdeveloped palate.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 13 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 5 Dec. 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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