Search Dictionary
Definition of underdevelop

underdevelop

/ˌʌndərdɪˈvɛləp/
Adjective:underdeveloped
•
Past Simple:underdeveloped
•
Past Participle:underdeveloped
•
Present Participle:underdeveloping
JUMP TO:

underdevelop Lexical Profile

underdevelop Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To develop insufficiently or imperfectly (especially regarding an economy, region, or narrative element).

Example

"Historians argue that colonial trade policies served to systematically underdevelop the region's local manufacturing sector."

2

To treat a photographic film or plate with developing agents for an insufficient amount of time or strength, resulting in a faint image.

Example

"Be careful not to underdevelop the negatives in the darkroom, or you will lose all the shadow details."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for underdevelop
Antonyms
View all antonyms for underdevelop

• Rhymes for underdevelop

• Nearby Words

undercurrent
undercut
underdeliver
underdevelop
underdeveloped
underdiagnose
underdog

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Underdevelop. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/underdevelop
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.