Underdeveloped: meaning, definitions and examples
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underdeveloped
[ ʌndərdɪˈvɛlʌpt ]
economic status
Underdeveloped refers to countries or regions that have not achieved significant industrialization and have lower standards of living. These areas often struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and education, and high levels of poverty compared to more developed nations.
Synonyms
backward, impoverished, lagging, undeveloped
Examples of usage
- Many underdeveloped countries face challenges in providing basic services to their citizens.
- Investments in education can help lift underdeveloped regions out of poverty.
- The underdeveloped economy struggled to attract foreign investment.
general growth
Underdeveloped can also describe something that has not reached its full potential or has not been fully developed. This could apply to ideas, technologies, or skills that are still in early stages and require further refinement.
Synonyms
immature, nascent, rudimentary, unformed
Examples of usage
- The underdeveloped project needs more funding to reach its goals.
- His underdeveloped skills in negotiation were evident during the discussion.
- The technology remains underdeveloped, lacking essential features.
Translations
Translations of the word "underdeveloped" in other languages:
🇵🇹 subdesenvolvido
🇮🇳 अविकसित
🇩🇪 unterentwickelt
🇮🇩 kurang berkembang
🇺🇦 недорозвинений
🇵🇱 niedorozwinięty
🇯🇵 未発達の
🇫🇷 sous-développé
🇪🇸 subdesarrollado
🇹🇷 gelişmemiş
🇰🇷 저개발의
🇸🇦 غير متطور
🇨🇿 nedostatečně rozvinutý
🇸🇰 nedostatočne rozvinutý
🇨🇳 欠发达的
🇸🇮 nerazvit
🇮🇸 vanþróaður
🇰🇿 дамыған
🇬🇪 არაწარმოებული
🇦🇿 inkişaf etməmiş
🇲🇽 subdesarrollado
Etymology
The word 'underdeveloped' combines the prefix 'under-' meaning 'less than or below' with 'developed,' which originates from the French word 'développer.' The term has been used since the mid-20th century to describe countries in the process of industrialization that have not yet reached economic benchmarks typical of developed nations. In global discourse, it became a significant label in the context of economic debates and discussions surrounding aid, trade, and international relations. The use of 'underdeveloped' has evolved, and today there are calls for the use of terms like 'developing' or 'low-income' to describe these areas to avoid negative connotations. Nonetheless, 'underdeveloped' remains prevalent in socio-economic discussions and reports.