Langimage
English

underdevelop

|un-der-de-vel-op|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌʌndərdɪˈvɛləp/

🇬🇧

/ˌʌndədɪˈvɛləp/

insufficient development

Etymology
Etymology Information

'underdevelop' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' and the verb 'develop' meaning 'to grow or cause to grow.'

Historical Evolution

'underdevelop' was formed by combining the prefix 'under-' with the verb 'develop' in modern English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to develop below potential,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to develop something insufficiently or below its potential.

The country has underdeveloped its natural resources.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/06/22 14:37