adjective

underdeveloped

Underdeveloped (adjective) means not fully grown or matured. Example: “The premature baby had underdeveloped lungs.”

adjective

Not fully grown or matured.

"The premature baby had underdeveloped lungs."

Having a low level of economic or industrial development.

"Aid organizations focus much of their work in underdeveloped regions."

How to use underdeveloped

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot grown or built up as far as it should or could be, whether physically or economically.

Word forms

more underdeveloped comparative, most underdeveloped superlative

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The premature baby had _____ lungs.

Rhymes for underdeveloped

moped doped coped looped pooped stooped whooped developed enveloped undeveloped

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Frequently asked questions

What does “underdeveloped” mean?

The word “underdeveloped” means not fully grown or matured. In plain terms, not grown or built up as far as it should or could be, whether physically or economically.

How do you use “underdeveloped” in a sentence?

Here is “underdeveloped” used in a sentence: “The premature baby had underdeveloped lungs.”

What part of speech is “underdeveloped”?

“Underdeveloped” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “underdeveloped” have?

“Underdeveloped” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not fully grown or matured.