developing

The word “developing” means currently growing or changing, especially of a country becoming more industrialized. In plain terms, still growing or advancing, not yet finished.

“Developing” is pronounced dih-VEHL-uh-pihng (/dɪˈvɛl.ə.pɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “developing” used in a sentence: “Investment is rising fast in several developing economies.”

Depending on how it is used, “developing” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Developing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Developing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: currently growing or changing, especially of a country becoming more industrialized.

A developing country is still growing its economy, industry, and infrastructure, often with lower average income and living standards. A developed country has already industrialized, with higher income, advanced infrastructure, and stronger public services. The terms describe stages on a scale rather than a strict, fixed line between two separate groups.

"Developing" is broadly neutral to positive, since it implies growth, progress, and movement forward. Applied to countries, some find it euphemistic or imprecise, and alternatives like "emerging" or "low-income" are sometimes preferred. In everyday use — a developing situation or skill — it simply means something is actively changing.

Beyond economics, "developing" describes anything currently growing or changing. A developing story is one still unfolding in the news. A developing skill is one being built up over time. A developing child is maturing. In each case it marks something in progress rather than finished or fully formed.

A country building new industries and infrastructure is a developing economy. Beyond that, a fast-moving news event is a developing story, a young athlete honing their craft has developing talent, and an idea being worked out is still developing. Each describes something actively growing or changing rather than complete.