underdeveloped

adjective un·der·de·vel·oped \ˌən-dər-di-ˈve-ləpt\

: not developed to a normal size or strength

of a country, society, etc. : having many poor people and few industries

Full Definition of UNDERDEVELOPED

: not normally or adequately developed <underdeveloped muscles> <underdeveloped film>

: having a relatively low economic level of industrial production and standard of living (as from lack of capital) <underdeveloped nations>

— un·der·de·vel·op·ment \-ləp-mənt\ noun

See underdeveloped defined for English-language learners

See underdeveloped defined for kids

1892

Medical Dictionary

adjective un·der·de·vel·oped \ˌən-dər-di-ˈvel-əpt\

: not normally or adequately developed <underdeveloped muscles> <underdeveloped lungs>

Next Word in the Dictionary: underdiagnosePrevious Word in the Dictionary: underdeck tonnageAll Words Near: underdeveloped

What made you want to look up underdeveloped? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears