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
Boiko plans projects in high-appeal regions with underdeveloped infrastructure.
—
Maria Williams, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
The short stories, written in Lee’s youth, are all badly underdeveloped.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Martin explains that while most people might assume baby Cassian was overdue because of his size, he was actually born early, his lungs were still a little underdeveloped and his glucose levels weren't steady.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
If picked too early, before the skin has fully hardened, the squash may not be sweet and could be underdeveloped.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Maria Williams, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
The short stories, written in Lee’s youth, are all badly underdeveloped.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Martin explains that while most people might assume baby Cassian was overdue because of his size, he was actually born early, his lungs were still a little underdeveloped and his glucose levels weren't steady.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
If picked too early, before the skin has fully hardened, the squash may not be sweet and could be underdeveloped.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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