development

noun

de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈve-ləp-mənt 

dē-

1

: the act, process, or result of developing

the development of new ideas

an interesting development in the case

2

: the state of being developed

a project in development

3

: a tract of land that has been made available or usable : a developed tract of land

especially : one with houses built on it

Synonyms

• elaboration
• evolution
• expansion
• growth
• progress
• progression

Examples of development in a Sentence

Good nutrition is important for proper muscle development.

The company offers many opportunities for professional development.

The software is still in the early stages of development.

I try to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology.

Have there been any new developments in the case?

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, robotaxis aren't going to pay off anytime soon — perhaps no surprise given the costs of development and kitting out a car versus the much cheaper business model of Uber or Lyft. —Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

International and national developments on transgender procedures for minors The British government this week indefinitely banned the prescription of puberty blockers for individuals under 18 who identify as transgender. —Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Dec. 2024

Nike's expertise in grassroots sports development and storytelling will play a critical role in these initiatives. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

This development aligns with the NFL’s recent policy changes permitting private equity investments in teams, a move that has opened doors for diverse ownership opportunities. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see develop

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing development

• housing development
• hyper-development
• in development
• pre-development
• research and development
• ribbon development
• self-development
• sub-development

Kids Definition

development

noun

de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈvel-əp-mənt 

1

: the act, process, or result of developing

2

: the state of being developed

3

: a developed piece of land

especially : one that has houses built on it

Medical Definition

development

noun

de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈvel-əp-mənt 

1

: the action or process of developing: as

a

: the process of growth and differentiation by which the potentialities of a zygote, spore, or embryo are realized

b

: the gradual advance through evolutionary stages : evolution

2

: the state of being developed

the great muscular development of weight lifters

developmental

-ˌvel-əp-ˈment-ᵊl 

adjective

developmentally

-ē 

adverb