Underdevelopment: meaning, definitions and examples

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underdevelopment

[ ˌʌndərdɪˈveləpmənt ]

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economic

The state of being underdeveloped, especially in terms of industrialization, infrastructure, and standard of living.

Synonyms

backward, primitive, undeveloped

Examples of usage

Many countries in Africa are struggling with underdevelopment.
Underdevelopment often leads to poverty and social inequality.
The government is implementing policies to address underdevelopment in rural areas.

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social

The lack of progress or advancement in a particular area or aspect of society.

Synonyms

lagging, stagnation, underachievement

Examples of usage

Underdevelopment in education can hinder a country's growth.
Addressing underdevelopment in healthcare is crucial for improving public health.
The underdevelopment of technology in the region is holding back economic growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "underdevelopment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subdesenvolvimento

🇮🇳 अविकसितता

🇩🇪 Unterentwicklung

🇮🇩 kurang berkembang

🇺🇦 недорозвиненість

🇵🇱 niedorozwinięcie

🇯🇵 未発展

🇫🇷 sous-développement

🇪🇸 subdesarrollo

🇹🇷 az gelişmişlik

🇰🇷 저개발

🇸🇦 التخلف

🇨🇿 zaostalost

🇸🇰 zaostalosť

🇨🇳 欠发达

🇸🇮 nerazvitost

🇮🇸 vanþróun

🇰🇿 артта қалу

🇬🇪 განუვითარებლობა

🇦🇿 geridəlik

🇲🇽 subdesarrollo

Word origin

The term 'underdevelopment' originated in the mid-20th century during the period of decolonization and the emergence of newly independent nations. It was used to describe the economic and social conditions of countries that were considered less developed compared to industrialized nations. The concept of underdevelopment has been a subject of debate among economists and policymakers, with discussions focusing on factors such as colonial legacy, globalization, and structural inequalities.