underdevelopment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "underdevelopment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the lack of development in a particular area. For example, "In many countries around the world, poverty and underdevelopment continue to be a major problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, by the 1960s it was apparent that the Third World was not passing through a stage of underdevelopment, as envisioned by modernization theory, but remaining underdeveloped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also known as bilharzia or snail fever, schistosomiasis is a parasitic worm infection that leads to stunted growth and cognitive underdevelopment in children.

The Guardian

The new state of South Sudan (see picture), which combines oil wealth with instability and underdevelopment, will surely join its ranks.In this section MIFFed by misrule Tort and technology ReprintsThe group matters for several reasons.

The Economist

IN A scholarly screed entitled "The History of Underdevelopment in Turkey", which many thoughtful Turks took rather seriously, Ismail Cem blamed a lot of Turkey's ills on his country's embrace of western materialism.

The Economist

In Chile he co-wrote a book that became a bible of dependency theory, the hugely influential but mistaken notion that Latin America's underdevelopment was a product of its subordinate status in the world economy.

The Economist

Yet his own version paints ordinary Haitians as the passive victims of foreign and domestic malefactors, with no "inherent shortcomings" or responsibility for their society's underdevelopment.

The Economist

In regions of extreme poverty, the fertility rate plays a key role in a vicious cycle of economic underdevelopment and inequality between the sexes.

The Economist

Yet it also helps to show up those parts of Spanish existence that have not quite caught up with the times.Evidence of such underdevelopment can be found in most areas of Spanish life.

The Economist

Nor did they address the problem of developing a capitalist state in the age of universal adult suffrage, which neither Britain or the US had to do.The insight that "underdevelopment" was not some sort of backward, original condition but partly a result of how capitalism developed as a world system, has informed the work of most scholars of the developing world.

The Economist

Both authors believe this has a lot to do with a deep-rooted tendency for development experts to think of poverty or underdevelopment as a sort of technical problem in search of a suitable (and often simple) technical fix.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pogge's argument insists that international poverty and underdevelopment and the death and wasted potential this entails find their causal origin in a set of global institutions created and imposed by the wealthy nations of the world upon the global poor (Pogge 2010a; Pogge 2002).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing global issues, use "underdevelopment" to accurately describe the economic, social, and political state of nations facing significant developmental challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "developing" as a direct synonym for "underdevelopment". "Developing" implies progress and potential, while "underdevelopment" emphasizes the current state of deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underdevelopment" is as a noun. It refers to the condition or state of being insufficiently developed, often in economic, social, or political contexts. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct and well-supported by examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

34%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underdevelopment" is a noun that correctly describes a state of insufficient progress, particularly in economic, social, and political contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and common usage across varied sources, prominently in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. When writing, it's important to maintain accuracy, avoid confusion with similar terms like "developing", and use it appropriately within neutral or formal settings. This phrase is valuable when analyzing or describing circumstances where advancements are notably lacking, and Ludwig's examples provide excellent context for its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient development

Directly points out the inadequacy of the development process.

undeveloped state

Focuses on the condition of not being fully evolved or advanced.

retarded development

Emphasizes a significant delay or impairment in the developmental process.

stunted growth

Suggests that growth has been inhibited or prevented from reaching its full potential.

lack of progress

Focuses on the absence of forward movement or advancement.

limited advancement

Emphasizes the restricted nature of improvement or progress.

lagging development

Implies a slower pace of progress compared to others.

slow growth

Highlights the reduced rate of expansion or increase.

deficient growth

Highlights the shortage or incompleteness of expansion.

delayed progress

Indicates that advancement is happening later than expected.

FAQs

How to use "underdevelopment" in a sentence?

"Underdevelopment" is typically used to describe the economic, social, and political status of a region or nation. For example, "The country's persistent economic underdevelopment has led to widespread poverty."

What can I say instead of "underdevelopment"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of progress", "insufficient development", or "undeveloped state" depending on the context.

What are the primary causes of "underdevelopment"?

The causes of "underdevelopment" are multifaceted, often involving historical factors, political instability, economic policies, and social inequalities. These factors can create a cycle of poverty and limit opportunities for growth.

How does "underdevelopment" affect social structures?

"Underdevelopment" can lead to weakened social structures, including limited access to education, healthcare, and basic services. It can also exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of social stratification.