underdeveloped areas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underdeveloped areas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to areas of the world that lag behind others in terms of economic and social development. For example, "Many people in underdeveloped areas lack access to basic necessities such as clean water and healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Underdeveloped areas lacking opportunities are the places that receive structural funds.

The Guardian - Opinion

He favors home ownership rather than rental housing for underdeveloped areas.

The New Yorker

They are highly localized events, often occurring in remote, underdeveloped areas.

The New York Times - Science

The Vidarbha region, in eastern Maharashtra, is among the state's most underdeveloped areas.

The New York Times

These services' increasing presence is leading the way for infiltration of the Internet throughout the underdeveloped areas of China.

The New York Times

Similarly, companies entering Burma are often required to set up operations in free trade zones in underdeveloped areas.

The Guardian

Although Tokyo and other large cities grew immensely during this period, both men favored rural, underdeveloped areas of Japan.

The New York Times

In this analysis, she described imperialism as the result of a dynamic capitalism's expansion into underdeveloped areas of the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

After considerable study, Wallingford officials balked at a plan to create a mixed-income district in an underdeveloped area downtown.

The New York Times

"To the power brokers there, they are an underdeveloped area that wants what the rest of the state has," Mr. Neil said.

The New York Times

In the last years of the 20th century, public officials and private developers also seemed to realize that a largely underdeveloped area only one subway stop from Manhattan offered immense potential.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "underdeveloped areas", be specific about the aspects of underdevelopment you are addressing, such as economic, social, or infrastructural factors, to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Do not assume that all "underdeveloped areas" are the same. Each region has unique challenges and strengths, and lumping them together can lead to inaccurate or insensitive portrayals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underdeveloped areas" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "underdeveloped" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "areas". This phrase serves to identify specific geographic locations characterized by a lack of economic, social, or infrastructural development, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underdeveloped areas" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe regions lacking economic and social progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's important to use this term accurately and sensitively, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of each area. When writing, consider using more specific alternatives like "less developed regions" or "economically disadvantaged zones" where appropriate. Remember to avoid generalizations and focus on the specific issues affecting each region.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less developed regions

Focuses on the state of development, emphasizing the comparison to more advanced regions.

economically disadvantaged zones

Highlights the economic aspect of underdevelopment, referring to areas with limited financial resources and opportunities.

impoverished communities

Emphasizes the poverty and lack of resources within the specified regions.

developing nations

Refers specifically to countries that are in the process of improving their economic and social conditions.

emerging economies

Highlights the potential for growth and advancement in the economic conditions of the regions.

backward regions

Indicates a state of being behind in progress or development, carrying a slightly negative connotation.

rural backwaters

Specifies remote rural areas that lack development and progress, often isolated from mainstream society.

distressed localities

Emphasizes the hardship and challenges faced by areas suffering from economic or social decline.

struggling territories

Highlights the difficulties and challenges faced in terms of economic development and advancement.

lagging sectors

Shifts the focus to specific industries or areas within a region that are not progressing as quickly as others.

FAQs

How can I use "underdeveloped areas" in a sentence?

You can use "underdeveloped areas" to describe regions lacking economic and social advancement. For example, "Many international aid organizations focus on improving living conditions in "underdeveloped areas"".

What are some alternatives to "underdeveloped areas"?

Alternatives include "less developed regions", "emerging economies", or "economically disadvantaged zones", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "underdeveloped areas"?

While "underdeveloped areas" is a commonly used term, consider using more nuanced language like "developing regions" or "economically disadvantaged communities" to avoid potential negative connotations and promote respectful communication.

What factors contribute to the underdevelopment of certain areas?

Factors contributing to the underdevelopment of certain areas can include lack of infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, political instability, and economic inequality.