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
Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral and Soundgarden’s Superunknown were released on the same day in March 1994, and both blew my underdeveloped 12-year-old mind as two of the most dense, ambitious, and rewarding alternative rock albums of the era.
—
Al Shipley, SPIN, 29 May 2026
That underdeveloped online channel is likely why the David Bellinger of Mizuho said many of these newer digital customers appear less engaged with Costco’s traditional warehouse experience.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 May 2026
However, there's a period after a ticket is sold that remains relatively underdeveloped and offers substantial opportunities for airlines to boost revenue.
—Juan Pablo Lafosse, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Kissing bugs can be found in underdeveloped areas such as foothills and mountain regions.
—Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Al Shipley, SPIN, 29 May 2026
That underdeveloped online channel is likely why the David Bellinger of Mizuho said many of these newer digital customers appear less engaged with Costco’s traditional warehouse experience.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 May 2026
However, there's a period after a ticket is sold that remains relatively underdeveloped and offers substantial opportunities for airlines to boost revenue.
—Juan Pablo Lafosse, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Kissing bugs can be found in underdeveloped areas such as foothills and mountain regions.
—Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 27 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 4 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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