underdeveloped

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'underdeveloped' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a country or region that has not achieved the same level of economic and social growth as developed nations. Example sentence: Many underdeveloped countries lack access to basic resources and infrastructure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As for water trading, it is underdeveloped within states, let alone between them.Most of the future growth in water demand is likely to come from cities.

The Economist

Some are visually bland, such as those taken by Michael Schmidt in 1980 of a Berlin neighbourhood underdeveloped because of its proximity to the Berlin Wall.

The Economist

They also locked customers in, making it costly and cumbersome to switch to rivals.The result is that Japan's software industry is underdeveloped.

The Economist

By the end of 2011 total peak passenger volumes had increased by a third on the east London route.Second, areas that were once underdeveloped became more popular.

The Economist

The services sector, despite some liberalisation (for instance, in retailing) is still underdeveloped.

The Economist

Puny demand was partly the result of small wage rises, but it was also because Germany's service sector is underdeveloped.

The Economist

But its tourist industry and its entire service culture are underdeveloped.

The Economist

Its web of regulations is too constricting; its job protection is too rigid; its health, welfare and education systems still need big doses of change; its service sector is underdeveloped.

The Economist

Vishneva is particularly concerned about the underdeveloped state of contemporary dance in Russia – "it's at a very low level still".

The Guardian

"The nutritional needs of adolescent girls have been largely neglected, especially in underdeveloped regions of the world," reported nutrition NGO One Goal last year.

The Guardian

It's a huge achievement that has saved thousands of lives, but the biggest challenge will be getting water to the remaining 780 million, many of whom live in the most remote and underdeveloped places on earth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underdeveloped", consider the specific aspect that is lacking in development. For example, specify "underdeveloped infrastructure" or "underdeveloped economy" to provide more clarity.

Common error

Be specific when using the term "underdeveloped". Instead of saying a country is "underdeveloped", specify which sectors or aspects require improvement, such as healthcare, education, or infrastructure.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underdeveloped" is as an adjective. It is used to describe nouns, indicating that they are not yet fully developed or lack essential features. Ludwig AI provides many examples from news sources to describe regions or specific areas, such as infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underdeveloped" functions as an adjective that describes something lacking in development or maturity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its primary use is to classify and categorize entities needing improvement. This term is commonly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. While its tone is generally neutral, it often appears in discussions about economies, infrastructure, and societal progress. Ludwig’s analysis underscores that, to enhance clarity in writing, specifying the underdeveloped aspect of a subject is crucial for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less developed

Focuses on the comparative lack of development.

developing

Emphasizes the process of growth and improvement.

emerging

Highlights the potential for future advancement.

backward

Implies a state of being behind in progress.

lagging

Suggests a slower pace of advancement compared to others.

rudimentary

Indicates a basic or initial stage of development.

immature

Highlights a lack of complete development.

deficient

Emphasizes a lack of essential qualities for full development.

unsophisticated

Highlights a lack of complexity or refinement.

underachieving

Focuses on failing to reach full potential.

FAQs

How can I use "underdeveloped" in a sentence?

You can use "underdeveloped" to describe a region, country, or system that lacks sufficient development in a specific area. For example: "The region's infrastructure is severely underdeveloped." or "The country's financial market is underdeveloped."

What's a less critical synonym for "underdeveloped"?

Alternatives like "developing" or "emerging" can be used to describe something that is not yet fully developed, but is progressing.

What are some common areas where "underdeveloped" is frequently used?

"Underdeveloped" is often used in contexts related to economies, infrastructure, healthcare systems, and education.

Is "underdeveloped" always negative?

While "underdeveloped" generally implies a lack of progress or completion, it is typically used as a descriptive term. The negativity depends on the context and the intent of the speaker or writer.