developed

1 of 2

adjective

de·​vel·​oped di-ˈve-ləpt 

dē-

: having a relatively high level of industrialization and standard of living

a developed country

developed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of develop

Synonyms of developed

Adjective

• evolved
• improved
• advanced
• higher

Examples of developed in a Sentence

Adjective

The disease is almost unheard of in developed countries.

The younger plant has a less developed root system.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

First, information problems cannot be easily predicted until technology is extensively developed and widely commercialized. — Thomas A. Hemphill, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026

Though its more developed neighbor to the east, Big Bend National Park, might attract more tourists, the state park is well worth a visit. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new plans last month to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws in Africa's most developed economy, and acknowledged rising tensions over the issue. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Its rulings on which countries’ markets count as developed, emerging, frontier, or standalone are watched from Bulgaria to Indonesia, and its offerings now span risk management tools and climate and sustainability data. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see develop

First Known Use

Adjective

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing developed

• hyper-developed
• well-developed

Rhymes for developed

• redeveloped
• undeveloped
• enveloped
• underdeveloped

Kids Definition

developed

adjective

de·​vel·​oped di-ˈvel-əpt 

: having a relatively high level of industrialization and standard of living

a developed country