Underdevelop

Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərdɪˈvɛləp/

Underdevelop (verb)

  1. to develop more slowly than expected, so a country or area has fewer services, jobs, or opportunities than others
  2. to make something less complete or less advanced than it should be
  3. to have skills, abilities, or knowledge that are not fully developed

Examples

  • The region underdevelops its economy when investment stays low.
  • The economy underdevelops when people lack jobs and support.