underdevelopmentsubstantiv The state of being insufficiently developed or not fully developed, especially in terms of economic or industrial progress. The region's underdevelopment has been a major focus of government policy in recent years.
A condition in which a country or region has not reached an advanced level of industrialization or economic growth. Efforts to combat underdevelopment often include investments in education and infrastructure.
The incomplete growth or maturation of a part or organ of the body; hypoplasia. Doctors detected underdevelopment of the baby's lungs.