Underdeveloped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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underdeveloped
[สndษrdษชหvษlสpt ]
Definitions
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
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Interesting Facts
Economics
- Countries labeled as underdeveloped are typically characterized by low income, high poverty rates, and limited access to education and healthcare.
- The term shifted from 'third world' to 'underdeveloped' in the mid-20th century to promote a more neutral perspective on growth issues.
- The United Nations uses various criteria such as gross national income and human development indices to classify countries.
Environmental Science
- Underdeveloped areas often experience significant environmental challenges, such as deforestation or pollution, usually due to lack of resources for sustainable practices.
- Conservation efforts in these areas focus on promoting sustainable development to combat ecological degradation.
- Biodiversity is often higher in underdeveloped regions due to less industrial activity, but these ecosystems are at risk from exploitation.
Social Issues
- In underdeveloped regions, access to basic needs like clean water, food, and healthcare is often severely limited.
- Education plays a crucial role in transforming underdeveloped communities into thriving ones, impacting future generations.
- The gender gap is more pronounced in underdeveloped areas, where women often have less access to education and economic opportunities.
Technology
- Access to technology in underdeveloped regions is rapidly changing due to the rise of mobile connectivity, which presents new opportunities for growth.
- Initiatives like mobile banking have found success in underdeveloped areas, facilitating financial transactions without traditional bank access.
- Innovative solutions, such as solar-powered devices, are being introduced to improve energy access in these communities.
Origin of 'underdeveloped'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'under' meaning beneath or below, and 'developed' from the French 'dรฉvelopper', meaning to unwrap or grow.
- The prefix 'under-' has roots in Old English, often referring to something insufficient or inadequate.
- This term has been in use since the early 20th century, originally applied in economic contexts.
The word 'underdeveloped' combines the prefix 'under-' meaning 'less than or below' with 'developed,' which originates from the French word 'dรฉvelopper.' 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.