developing
dih-VEHL-uh-pihng
Developing (adj) means Currently growing or changing, especially of a country becoming more industrialized. Example: “Investment is rising fast in several developing economies.”
adj
1
Currently growing or changing, especially of a country becoming more industrialized.
"Investment is rising fast in several developing economies."
"Many developing countries are building new schools and roads to help their citizens."
"A developing storm over the sea made the ferry crew cautious."
noun
1
The act or process of development.
"The developing of new vaccines can take years."
"Developing a new habit takes patience and regular practice."
"The developing of these photographs in a dark room fascinated the children."
How to use developing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStill growing or advancing, not yet finished.
Common pairings
developing country
developing situation
still developing
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Word forms
- Plural
- developings
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Investment is rising fast in several _____ economies.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for developing
See all rhymes for developing →Frequently asked questions
What does “developing” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “developing”?
“Developing” is pronounced dih-VEHL-uh-pihng (/dɪˈvɛl.ə.pɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “developing” in a sentence?
Here is “developing” used in a sentence: “Investment is rising fast in several developing economies.”
What part of speech is “developing”?
Depending on how it is used, “developing” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “developing” a common word?
“Developing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “developing” have?
“Developing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: currently growing or changing, especially of a country becoming more industrialized.
What is the difference between a developing and a developed country?
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.
Is developing a positive or negative term?
"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.
What does developing mean outside of countries?
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.
What is an example of developing?
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.
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