non-development
|non-de-vel-op-ment|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.dɪˈvɛl.əp.mənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.dɪˈvɛl.əp.mənt/
absence of development
Etymology
'non-development' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by the negative prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non' meaning 'not') attached to 'development' (the noun derived from 'develop' + '-ment').
'development' changed from Middle English forms such as 'developen'/'developement', which came from Old French 'desveloper' (to unwrap/unfold). Over time 'develop' shifted from 'unfold' to 'bring out, grow' and the noun 'development' formed with the suffix '-ment'. The compound 'non-development' is a later Modern English formation using the prefix 'non-'.
Initially, 'develop' (and related forms) often meant 'to unwrap' or 'to unfold'; over time it evolved to mean 'to grow, to bring into being or advance'. 'Non-development' therefore developed as a straightforward negation meaning 'not development' or 'lack of growth/progress'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the absence, failure, or stoppage of development; stagnation.
The region suffered from long-term non-development, with little investment or economic growth.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
in planning or environmental contexts, the state in which an area or project remains undeveloped or is deliberately left unbuilt.
City policy favored non-development of certain green belts to preserve habitats.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/29 16:23