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
However, the VNOs in humans are relatively smaller and may be too underdeveloped to process pheromones in the same way.
—
Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
In Nova's case, her pituitary gland is underdeveloped and significantly smaller than normal, leading to a severe growth-hormone deficiency.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
One leading hypothesis suggests that the part of our brain responsible for memory – the hippocampus – is underdeveloped at that stage of life and isn’t ready to store memories.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
Glennon said the dam is largely responsible for the growth of Las Vegas, then known as a major railroad hub of about 5,000 residents in a broad, underdeveloped desert valley situated between Utah and California.
—Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underdeveloped
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Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
In Nova's case, her pituitary gland is underdeveloped and significantly smaller than normal, leading to a severe growth-hormone deficiency.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
One leading hypothesis suggests that the part of our brain responsible for memory – the hippocampus – is underdeveloped at that stage of life and isn’t ready to store memories.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025
Glennon said the dam is largely responsible for the growth of Las Vegas, then known as a major railroad hub of about 5,000 residents in a broad, underdeveloped desert valley situated between Utah and California.
—Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 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 15 Apr. 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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