ENGLISH
REFERENCE

developing

n.
B1 Intermediate US //dɪˈvɛɫəpɪŋ// UK //dɪvˈɛləpɪŋ// de·vel·op·ing

n. growing or changing to become more advanced. You often use this to talk about countries that are working to improve their economy and technology.

n. undergoing growth, progress, or evolution toward a more advanced state. Frequently used in geopolitical contexts to describe nations with lower industrial bases and human development indices relative to other countries.


SIMPLE

Many developing countries are investing heavily in solar energy.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity provides clean water and medical supplies to developing regions across the continent.

COMPLEX

Economists often debate whether rapid industrialisation in developing nations can be achieved without the environmental degradation seen during the Western industrial revolution.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; in geopolitical contexts, it is generally preferred over the older term 'third world'.

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