underdeveloped
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌəndɝdɪˈvɛɫəpt// UK //ˌʌndədɪvˈɛləpt// un·der·de·vel·oped
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.
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.