Word
underdeveloped
Phoneticsun·der·de·vel·oped, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌəndɝdɪˈvɛɫəpt/
UK/ˌʌndədɪvˈɛləpt/
Definition
v. to develop a film or digital image in a way that makes it look dark or unclear. This usually happens when the chemicals or the light are not strong enough.
v. to develop a photographic film or digital image in a manner that results in a lack of detail or a dark appearance. Often used to describe the failure of the development process to produce a clear, properly exposed image.
Examples
“The photo turned out underdeveloped because the film was old.”
“The photographer realized the negatives were underdeveloped after comparing them to the original digital files.”
“The underdeveloped negatives suggested that the lab had used a lower concentration of chemicals than recommended, resulting in a loss of fine detail in the shadows.”
Examples
simple
“The photo turned out underdeveloped because the film was old.”
contextual
“The photographer realized the negatives were underdeveloped after comparing them to the original digital files.”
complex
“The underdeveloped negatives suggested that the lab had used a lower concentration of chemicals than recommended, resulting in a loss of fine detail in the shadows.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “underdeveloped” in context.
Adjective
01. underdeveloped country
“The organization provides medical aid and clean water to every underdeveloped country in the region.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The short stories, written in Lee’s youth, are all badly underdeveloped.” “Too little energy and the coffee will be underdeveloped rather than genuinely light.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/underdeveloped