# developing countries

CEFR B1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/developing-countries
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

nations with less money, fewer factories, and lower levels of technology than richer countries. You often use this to talk about places that are still building their economy and services.

For teachers: a collective noun phrase referring to sovereign states with a less developed industrial base and a lower Human Development Index (HDI) relative to other countries. The term is often used in economic and geopolitical contexts to describe nations transitioning from agrarian to industrial economies.

## Examples

- Many developing countries need better access to clean water.
- The international charity provides medical supplies and training to doctors in developing countries across Africa and Asia.
- Economists argue that rapid urbanisation in developing countries presents both significant challenges for infrastructure and unique opportunities for market expansion.

## Pitfalls

- Not "developed countries (when meaning poor nations)" but "developing countries" — the '-ing' ending describes the process of growth, while '-ed' describes nations that are already wealthy and industrialised.

## Usage notes

- usually plural; it is considered more polite and accurate than the older term 'Third World'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'developed countries' and 'emerging markets'; note that while 'developing' is a participle, the phrase functions as a fixed compound noun in academic and news registers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.