undeveloped

/ˌʌndɪˈveləpt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌʌndɪvˈɛləpt] /ˌʌndɪˈveləpt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌʌndɪvˈɛləpt] /ˌən-di-ˈve-ləpt How to pronounce undeveloped (audio) -dē-/ (ame, mw)

undeveloped — adjective

  • undevelopedpositive
  • more undevelopedcomparative
  • most undevelopedsuperlative

1. An undeveloped place — such as a piece of land, a coastline, or a forest — has n

1.形容詞B1
釋義

An undeveloped place — such as a piece of land, a coastline, or a forest — has no buildings, roads, crops, or other human-made structures on it, and stays in its original natural condition.

例句

The land behind Kenji's house is still undeveloped, covered in wild grass and trees.

predicative after linking verb: is/still + undeveloped

Investors bought the undeveloped coastline near Trang's village and plan to build a resort there.

attributive: undeveloped + coastline (geographical noun)

同義詞
  • wild

    emphasises the natural, untamed quality (wild landscape suggests forests and animals, while undeveloped is neutral about the type of natural state)

  • vacant

    focuses on being empty of people or buildings, often used for a lot or site in a city (vacant lot) but does not imply a natural state

  • unbuilt

    specifically means no structures have been built, common in planning and zoning contexts

  • natural

    highlights that the area has been left in its original condition, though natural is broader and can describe parks that are maintained

反義詞
  • developed

    built on or used for human purposes

  • built-up

    covered with buildings and roads, typically about urban areas

文法句型

undeveloped + noun

remain/stay + undeveloped

用法筆記

Subject is a physical area such as land, coastline, or forest. Frequently appears in attributive position before a noun (undeveloped land, undeveloped site). In predicative position, often follows remain or stay to emphasise that the natural state continues.

常見錯誤

❌The undeveloped restaurant on Main Street is closed for repairs.
✅The undeveloped lot on Main Street is covered with weeds and bushes.
💡'Undeveloped' describes land that was never built on, not a building that is now empty or unused.
❌The puppy is still undeveloped, so it cannot walk properly.
✅The land behind the school is still undeveloped, with no roads or houses.
💡'Undeveloped' for land/area; for a living thing that has not grown fully, use 'underdeveloped' instead.

2. An undeveloped country or region has very little industry, most people earn low

2.形容詞B2
釋義

An undeveloped country or region has very little industry, most people earn low incomes, and access to modern services such as hospitals, schools, and clean water is limited.

例句

Reema's research project compares the economies of several undeveloped regions in South America.

attributive: undeveloped + regions (political/geographical noun)

International aid agencies are building schools in undeveloped areas of Mira's home country.

同義詞
  • developing

    the more common modern term, implies growth is in progress (developing nation) and is less judgmental

  • low-income

    focuses specifically on average earnings, neutral in tone

  • underdeveloped

    very similar in meaning but sometimes carries a stronger implication that the country has been held back rather than simply not yet developed

反義詞
  • developed

    having strong industries and a high standard of living

  • industrialized

    having a well-established manufacturing and service economy

文法句型

undeveloped + country/region/nation

用法筆記

Now often considered dated; alternatives such as developing, low-income, or less economically developed countries (LEDCs) are more neutral in policy discussions. Subject is typically a country, region, or nation. When speaking respectfully about a specific place, check which terms local institutions prefer.

常見錯誤

❌Singapore is an undeveloped country with few factories.
✅Singapore is a highly developed country with a strong economy.
💡'Undeveloped' describes places with low industrialization, not places with few factories but a high standard of living.
❌The undeveloped region had no buildings or roads at all.
✅The undeveloped region had few hospitals and a low average income.
💡For the economic sense, the focus is on industry and living standards, not whether any buildings exist.