not fully developed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not fully developed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is incomplete or lacks maturity, such as an idea, plan, or physical object. Example: "The project is still in its early stages and is not fully developed, requiring further research and refinement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Various

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The system is not fully developed.

The New York Times

Her hands are not fully developed.

The New York Times

(iii) FPZ is not fully developed.

Construction and Building Materials

Baldwin's point is interesting, though not fully developed.

The Washington Post

"My sense of irony was not fully developed," she recalled.

The New York Times

Embryonic stem cells are not fully developed human beings.

The New York Times

The schemes presented are proposals, not fully developed master plans or designs for actual buildings.

The New York Times

(In very young children, the renal system is not fully developed).

The New Yorker

A waterfront City Hall, he said, would help shape the waterfront, which is not fully developed.

The New York Times

The deeply personalized, mystical idiom that Messiaen created is not fully developed in this cycle.

The New York Times - Arts

"Maybe their sense of right and wrong is not fully developed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the progress of a project, use "not fully developed" to indicate that while some work has been done, there's still significant progress to be made. This provides a clear and honest assessment of the project's current state.

Common error

Avoid using "not fully developed" as a euphemism for complete failure. Be accurate in your assessment, differentiating between a project that is still in progress and one that has stalled or failed to launch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not fully developed" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a state of incompleteness or immaturity. It describes something that has not reached its full potential or is still in progress, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not fully developed" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is incomplete or immature. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, as illustrated by numerous examples from news, scientific, and general sources. Alternatives such as "underdeveloped" or "incomplete" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig's analysis indicates a neutral register for the phrase, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. It's important to use "not fully developed" accurately, representing genuine progress rather than masking potential failures. Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underdeveloped

A single word alternative that suggests a lack of complete growth or progress, offering a more concise option.

incomplete

A direct synonym emphasizing the lack of completion, suitable for various contexts.

partially formed

Indicates something is only partly shaped or created, differing in its emphasis on the process of formation.

immature

Highlights a lack of maturity, often used for living things or abstract concepts.

early-stage

Clearly denotes the beginning phase of development, often used in business or project contexts.

in its infancy

Implies something is in a very early stage of development, like a newborn, adding a figurative element.

rudimentary

Indicates something is basic or elementary, differing in its implication of simplicity.

still in the works

Suggests that development is actively happening behind the scenes, differing in its connotation of hidden effort.

work in progress

Similar to "in progress" but more explicitly acknowledges the effort being applied.

in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of development, lacking the implication of incompleteness.

FAQs

How can I use "not fully developed" in a sentence?

You can use "not fully developed" to describe something that is still in progress or lacks complete maturity. For instance, "The plan is "not fully developed", and requires further refinement."

What are some alternatives to "not fully developed"?

Alternatives include "underdeveloped", "incomplete", or "still in the works", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not fully developed" or "underdeveloped"?

Both "not fully developed" and "underdeveloped" are acceptable. "Not fully developed" may be slightly more formal, while "underdeveloped" is more concise.

What does it mean when something is "not fully developed"?

When something is "not fully developed", it means that it is "incomplete", immature, or still in the process of growth or creation. It implies that further work or time is needed for it to reach its full potential.