undeveloped

adjective

un·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-di-ˈve-ləpt How to pronounce undeveloped (audio)
-dē-
: not developed : lacking in development
undeveloped natural resources
undeveloped potential
undeveloped film
undeveloped seeds
: such as
a
: not used for building, farming, industry, etc.
undeveloped land
an area of undeveloped wilderness
b
: having a relatively low level of industrialization and standard of living
undeveloped countries/nations

Examples of undeveloped in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources, the Pigeon River State Forest is the largest swath of contiguous undeveloped land in the state's Lower Peninsula. Melina Khan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025 This protected, undeveloped preserve includes 1,200 acres of salt marshes, tidal creeks, dunes, and beaches where turtles nest. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 Projects must have enough water supply, wastewater capacity, and energy infrastructure; limit the extent of new traffic, with higher thresholds if located near transit; and could only alter up to five acres of undeveloped land or up to 10 acres with a tree preservation and replanting plan. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 Proponents of the plan argued that these states were already majority white and contained large tracts of undeveloped land, making the territory ideal for white-only settlement. Paul J. Becker, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undeveloped

Word History

First Known Use

1736, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undeveloped was in 1736

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undeveloped.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undeveloped. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

undeveloped

adjective
un·​de·​vel·​oped ˌən-di-ˈvel-əpt How to pronounce undeveloped (audio)
: lacking in development : not developed
physiologically undeveloped

More from Merriam-Webster on undeveloped

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!