underdeveloped region

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underdeveloped region" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an area that has not yet reached a certain level of economic or social development compared to other regions. Example: "The government is focusing on improving infrastructure in the underdeveloped region to boost economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

With the deal, the Iberdrola group expands its holdings in the relatively underdeveloped region, where demand for electricity is growing faster than in other parts of Brazil.

The New York Times

Because it has traditionally been the most underdeveloped region of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland has had a comparatively high incidence of socioeconomic problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The LRA problem goes way beyond a purely military solution and has to tackle all of these matters that basically boil down to a very underdeveloped region".

The Guardian

Although richly endowed with natural resources, Yunnan remained an underdeveloped region until relatively recent times; for centuries the ethnic, religious, and political separatism of the province posed obstacles to the efforts of a central government to control it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the "amnesty" did not address the popular grievances of a very underdeveloped region, and the co-opted warlords are slowly being replaced by successors not shy about threatening to resume violent activities.

The New York Times

Sistan and Baluchestan, where the unnamed village is situated, "is arguably the most underdeveloped region in Iran, with the highest poverty, infant and child mortality rates, and lowest life expectancy and literacy rates in the country," according to Ahmed Shaheed, the UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As Buzi implies, we have enough land and underdeveloped regions of the world.

The Guardian

Since rice is a staple food for about two-thirds of the world's population, largely in underdeveloped regions, this is not good news.

The New York Times - Science

The debate has now taken the obvious turn: why should rich countries mutually support underdeveloped regions if this could also be done through national allocation of funds?

The Guardian - Opinion

The contract is worth as much as $50 million for Interwave, a company based in Menlo Park, Calif., that specializes in equipment for mobile communications in rural or underdeveloped regions.

The New York Times

"Can we not attempt on a global level what any successful industrialized country does to help its most disadvantaged or underdeveloped regions catch up?" he asked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underdeveloped region", be specific about the type of underdevelopment you're referring to, such as economic, social, or infrastructural.

Common error

Avoid using "underdeveloped region" as a catch-all term without specifying the specific issues or challenges the region faces. Providing context adds clarity and depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underdeveloped region" functions as a noun phrase, where "underdeveloped" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "region". This phrase typically serves to identify and categorize a specific geographic area based on its level of development. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correctly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underdeveloped region" is a grammatically sound and usable term, commonly employed to describe geographical areas lagging in economic, social, or infrastructural development. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct. While "underdeveloped region" is a neutral descriptor, it's essential to consider specific context and be mindful of potential negative connotations and that's why alternative expressions like "less developed area" or "developing area" may be more appropriate. Remember to specify the type of underdevelopment when using this phrase to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less developed area

Focuses on the degree of development rather than implying a static state.

economically disadvantaged region

Highlights the economic challenges faced by the region.

developing area

Suggests ongoing progress and improvement.

impoverished area

Emphasizes the presence of poverty within the region.

backward area

Indicates a slower pace of progress compared to other areas.

lagging region

Highlights that the region is behind in development.

struggling region

Emphasizes the difficulties the region faces.

less advanced region

Focuses on the level of advancement in various aspects.

marginalized region

Highlights social and political exclusion.

distressed area

Emphasizes the economic hardship and social problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "underdeveloped region" to describe an area that has not reached a certain level of economic or social progress compared to other areas. For example: "The government is investing in infrastructure projects in the "underdeveloped region" to stimulate economic growth."

What's a better term than "underdeveloped region"?

Alternatives include "less developed area", "economically disadvantaged region", or "developing area", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it offensive to use the term "underdeveloped region"?

While the term itself isn't inherently offensive, consider using more specific and sensitive language to avoid potential negative connotations. Context is key and choosing a term like "developing area" may be more appropriate in some situations.

What factors typically characterize an "underdeveloped region"?

An "underdeveloped region" often faces challenges like limited access to education and healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, high poverty rates, and a lack of economic opportunities.