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
Other possible vectors south through Central Asia to India are either underdeveloped, incomplete, involve transshipment through Afghanistan or ports in Iran, which would merely increase risk.
—
Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
If the eyes are deep and sharp, the fruit is probably underdeveloped and will be dry and crunchy.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
After all the fussing and fidgeting exerted in trying to nail just the right mix of comic book action, comedy and pathos, the movie emerges as a tone-deaf mishmash of underdeveloped characters, half-baked humor and unhatched plotting drenched in CGI overkill.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
Alcaraz changed his serve, too, shoring up what was perhaps the most underdeveloped part of his game.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
If the eyes are deep and sharp, the fruit is probably underdeveloped and will be dry and crunchy.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
After all the fussing and fidgeting exerted in trying to nail just the right mix of comic book action, comedy and pathos, the movie emerges as a tone-deaf mishmash of underdeveloped characters, half-baked humor and unhatched plotting drenched in CGI overkill.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 July 2025
Alcaraz changed his serve, too, shoring up what was perhaps the most underdeveloped part of his game.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 29 June 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 21 Jul. 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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