underdeveloped

adjective

Definition of underdevelopednext
as in undeveloped

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of underdeveloped Speraw highlights women's volleyball as America's largest girls' team sport, yet commercially underdeveloped, presenting a huge opportunity for growth and major sponsorship. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Japan’s recent scrapping of lethal weapons export ban could also help strengthen the country's underdeveloped defense industry. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 The relatively weak link in the script is Nancy, who’s too underdeveloped as a character to give her burgeoning romance with Tony much structure, and consequently gives Jones (CODA) little to work with. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026 Why So Much Hate feels too underdeveloped lyrically to come off as strong as other precocious teenage debuts like Joey Bada$$’ 1999. — Lei Takanashi, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underdeveloped
  1. undeveloped
  2. backward
Adjective
  • But nearly 40 years later, the park remains undeveloped and closed to the public.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • No homes have been lost in any of the recent fires in Arkansas, as they have been limited to undeveloped areas, Murphy said.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of undeveloped
Adjective
  • Despite being tightly controlled, technologically backward, and subject to crippling Western trade embargoes, the country has recorded year-on-year GDP growth of more than 3%, of which many advanced economies could only dream.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 Aug. 2026
  • And while Dillagence 2 looks backward, Rhymes remains acutely interested in what’s happening next.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of backward

Browse Nearby Words

undercutting
underdeveloped
underdiagnose
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underdeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underdeveloped. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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