less developed

USAGE SUMMARY

"less developed" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a place, object, or idea that is not as developed or complete as something or someone else. For example: "The less developed areas of the city are in stark contrast with the more developed areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Rail and barge are even less developed".

The New York Times

Ms. Heggins's character is less developed.

The New York Times

The road network is even less developed.

The Guardian

The country's other capital markets are even less developed.

The Economist

E-commerce is also much less developed in Europe.

The Economist

"The planning for peace was much less developed than the planning for war".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Vegetables are the mainstays of diets in less-developed nations.

WikiHow

It's harder to save on hotels in less-developed markets.

The Economist

The "primitive" religions of less-developed peoples are not classified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Patnem beach, a 20-minute walk over Palolem's southern headland, offers a less-developed alternative.

The Guardian - Travel

For services to forensic and conventional dentistry in less-developed countries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the development status of regions or countries, use "less developed" to accurately convey that one area has not reached the same level of advancement as another, while avoiding potentially insensitive or stigmatizing language.

Common error

Be specific about what aspects are "less developed". Instead of just stating a region is "less developed", clarify whether you're referring to infrastructure, economy, technology, or other specific indicators to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less developed" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies nouns to indicate a lower degree of development compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less developed" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something that is at a lower stage of development compared to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for describing countries, regions, or even personal skills. While it's generally neutral, consider using alternative terms like "emerging" or "developing" in sensitive contexts. Remember to be specific about what aspects are "less developed" to avoid vagueness. With examples spanning news, science, and general knowledge, it appears in a wide range of sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underdeveloped

This is a single-word adjective directly expressing the state of being not fully developed.

developing slowly

This describes the pace of development as being slower than typical.

not as advanced

This phrase uses a comparative structure to indicate a lower level of advancement.

in early stages of development

This specifies the phase of development, indicating it is at a preliminary level.

relatively backward

This term suggests a comparison to a standard, indicating a slower pace of progress.

lagging behind

This phrase implies a state of falling short of expected progress or development.

less sophisticated

This phrase highlights the lack of complexity or refinement.

not fully formed

This describes a state where the development is incomplete.

emerging

This term describes a state of just beginning to develop or become known.

rudimentary

This term implies a basic or initial level of development.

FAQs

How can I use "less developed" in a sentence?

You can use "less developed" to describe countries, regions, systems, or even personal skills. For example: "The rural areas are "less developed" than the urban centers", or "His musical talent was "less developed" compared to his brother's".

What's a more formal alternative to "less developed"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using "underdeveloped", "developing slowly", or "not as advanced" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less developed" when talking about countries?

Yes, "less developed" is a generally accepted term for describing countries that have not reached the same level of economic or infrastructural advancement as others. However, it's important to use it sensitively and avoid implying inferiority. You could also use "emerging" or "developing" as alternatives.

What is the difference between "less developed" and "underdeveloped"?

While "less developed" and "underdeveloped" are often used interchangeably, "less developed" can be seen as a slightly more neutral term, suggesting a relative state of development rather than a fixed condition of being "under" or lacking development. Both terms describe a state of not being fully advanced.