English Reference
adjective · noun

developmental

adj. · n.
US /dɪˌvɛɫəpˈmɛnəɫ/ UK /dɪvˈɛləpmˈɛntəl/ de·vel·op·men·tal

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    adj.related to the way something grows, changes, or improves over time.

    adj.relating to the systematic process of growth, maturation, or evolution in a person, project, or organism.

    Simple

    The doctor checked the child's developmental milestones to make sure she was growing well.

    In context

    The study tracks developmental changes in cognitive processing from early childhood through adolescence to identify critical windows for learning.

    Usage

    Often used in psychology, biology, and business contexts to describe stages of progress.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.related to the early stages of making or testing a new product.

    adj.relating to the experimental or preliminary stage of a product or system's lifecycle.

    Simple

    The company is still in the developmental phase of its new electric car engine.

    In context

    The aircraft is currently undergoing developmental testing to ensure the new wing design can withstand extreme turbulence.

    Usage

    Commonly used in engineering and pharmaceutical industries.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical

    n.a person who is still learning a job, especially a flight controller.

    n.a professional trainee, specifically used within aviation to refer to a student air traffic controller.

    Simple

    The developmental spent the afternoon practicing landings on the flight simulator.

    In context

    As a developmental at the busy regional hub, he was required to complete five hundred hours of supervised radar operation before certification.

    Usage

    This noun sense is highly specific to the aviation industry.

Usage developmental challenge · developmental procedure

Researchers understand "risky play" to be adventurous, challenging and uncertainty-based activities that offer developmental benefits .

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026

In our bountiful age, there are many options: romaine, red-leaf lettuce, butter lettuce, beet greens, bok choy, bitter radicchio, every developmental stage of arugula.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated