undeveloped territory

USAGE SUMMARY

"undeveloped territory" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an area or region that has not been developed for a particular purpose. For example, "The Amazon Rainforest still remains largely an undeveloped territory, with untouched natural resources and native inhabitants living as they have for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, it still held a vast though largely undeveloped territory and had unlimited manpower reserves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We need affordable housing while using up the least amount of undeveloped territory".

The New York Times

Environmentalists say it will flood thousands of acres of largely undeveloped territory and damage ranching and tourism.

The New York Times

"That opportunity is to, in effect, fund a project out of the incremental revenues when you extend mass transit into more or less undeveloped territory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This would control the state's share of existing projects and, much more important, gain control of future projects in what is a relatively undeveloped mineral territory.

The Economist

The allocation of highly coveted property in Abuja has long been an issue of controversy in Nigeria, stemming from the widely held belief that successive administrations have parcelled out much of the land in the territory to members of the political elite since the early 1990s, when the national capital was moved from Lagos to this undeveloped district at the centre of Nigeria.

The Economist

Thousands of Native Americans died of cold, starvation and disease during the harrowing trek to the undeveloped Western territories. . Warren responded on MSNBC shortly after Trump made the comments. .

Huffington Post

Deep-pocketed NOCs, often with access to capital from their governments on much better terms than a supermajor can get it from the markets, are spending heavily to acquire undeveloped fields in emerging territories such as Africa.

The Economist

The rest of Palestine, an undeveloped tract of what was largely desert, became Transjordan, a territory so poor that its new king lived at first in a tent or with better-off supporters.

The New York Times - Books

Winspear owns a site at Snap Lake, about 150 miles northeast of Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories that it calls one of the richest undeveloped diamond properties in the world.

The New York Times

Although Florida was the location of the first permanent European colony in what would become the United States, it was the last U.S. territory on the east coast to be developed, and it remained an undeveloped frontier into the 20th century.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conservation efforts, use "undeveloped territory" to emphasize the importance of preserving land in its natural state.

Common error

Avoid using "undeveloped territory" interchangeably with "developing nation". The former refers to a physical area, while the latter describes a country's economic status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undeveloped territory" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "undeveloped" describes the state of the "territory". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in specifying a particular type of area or region.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undeveloped territory" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a geographical area lacking significant human development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase modifier, commonly found in neutral contexts such as news articles and encyclopedias. While related phrases like "pristine wilderness" or "unexploited region" offer similar meanings, they emphasize different aspects of the land. When using this term, it's important to distinguish it from "developing nation" and to appreciate its specific focus on physical landscape rather than economic status. As Ludwig shows, the phrase is correct but uncommon. Remember to use "undeveloped territory" when you want to highlight land in its natural state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underdeveloped area

A more general term indicating a lack of economic or social progress.

pristine wilderness

Focuses on the untouched, natural aspect of the land.

unexploited region

Emphasizes the lack of resource extraction or commercial activity.

virgin land

Highlights the untouched and unaltered state of the territory.

unbuilt environment

Specifically refers to an area where construction or infrastructure is absent.

untapped resources

Shifts the focus to the potential resources within the undeveloped area.

unspoiled landscape

Emphasizes the aesthetic and environmental qualities of the area.

remote location

Highlights the inaccessibility and isolation of the territory.

rural expanse

Implies a large, sparsely populated area, often agricultural.

natural habitat

Focuses on the ecological value and the presence of wildlife.

FAQs

How can I use "undeveloped territory" in a sentence?

You can use "undeveloped territory" to describe a region that has not been built upon or significantly altered by human development. For example, "The government aims to protect the remaining "undeveloped territory" from commercial exploitation".

What's the difference between "undeveloped territory" and "underdeveloped area"?

"Undeveloped territory" refers specifically to land that has not undergone significant construction or resource extraction. "Underdeveloped area" is a broader term that can refer to a region's economic or social status, encompassing more than just physical development.

Which is the correct term, "undeveloped territory" or "unspoiled territory"?

Both "undeveloped territory" and "unspoiled territory" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Undeveloped" focuses on the lack of building and infrastructure, while "unspoiled" highlights the preservation of natural beauty and ecological integrity.

What are some examples of "undeveloped territory"?

Examples of "undeveloped territory" include national parks, nature reserves, remote wilderness areas, and agricultural lands that have not been converted into urban or industrial zones.