developing country

USAGE SUMMARY

"developing country" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a country that is in the process of industrializing and working towards becoming more modern and economically advanced. For example, "India is considered a developing country, as they have seen rapid economic growth in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That sounds high for a developing country.

The Economist

"China is still a developing country.

The New York Times

But it's different for a developing country.

The New Yorker

But Britain isn't a developing country!

The Guardian

The investors or the developing country?

The Guardian

That's the fate of a developing country.

The Economist

Could you mentor a female entrepreneur from a developing country?

The Guardian

"Burkina Faso isn't a developing country," he declared.

The New Yorker

China is still a developing country," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Intra-developing country trade shrinks relative to the base.

FAO

More possibilities are available now in this fast-developing country.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "developing country", be specific about the aspects of development you are discussing (e.g., economic, social, technological) to provide a clearer understanding.

Common error

Do not assume all "developing countries" face the same challenges or have the same needs. Each country has its unique context and circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing country" functions as a noun phrase, where "developing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "country". It's used to categorize and describe nations based on their level of economic and industrial progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "developing country" is grammatically sound and extensively used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Functioning as a noun phrase, it is used to describe nations in the process of economic and industrial advancement. The phrase carries a neutral tone and finds frequent application across various domains, including news, science, and formal business contexts. While "developing country" is broadly acceptable, it’s crucial to avoid generalizations and to be specific about aspects of development to ensure precise and respectful communication. Semantically related alternatives such as "emerging nation" or "low income country" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

country in development

Rephrases the original phrase with a slightly different word order.

developing economy

Highlights the economic side of the development process.

emerging nation

Focuses on the nation's progress and potential.

less developed country

Highlights the comparative lack of development.

low income country

Emphasizes the economic status of the country.

nation in progress

Focuses on the ongoing development and advancement.

growth economy

Highlights the economic growth aspect of the country.

transitioning economy

Emphasizes the shift towards a more developed economic state.

third world country

An older, somewhat outdated term for developing nations.

underdeveloped nation

Focuses on the lack of infrastructure and resources.

FAQs

What does the term "developing country" mean?

A "developing country" is a nation with a less developed industrial base and a lower Human Development Index (HDI) compared to developed countries. These countries are typically working towards economic advancement and improved living standards.

What are some alternatives to saying "developing country"?

You can use alternatives like "emerging nation", "less developed country", or "low income country" depending on the context.

Is it offensive to call a country a "developing country"?

While the term "developing country" is generally considered acceptable, it's important to use it respectfully and be mindful of the specific context. Some may prefer alternatives like "emerging nation" or "nation in progress" to emphasize growth and potential.

How does a "developing country" differ from a "developed country"?

The primary differences lie in economic stability, industrialization, infrastructure, access to healthcare and education, and overall quality of life. Developed countries typically have advanced economies and higher standards of living compared to "developing countries".