undeveloped
UK: ˌʌndɪˈveləpt | US: ˌʌndɪˈveləpt
adj. not developed or advanced
adj. (of land) not used for building, farming, etc.
adj. (of a photograph) not processed to make an image visible
The word "undeveloped" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the verb "develop" (from French "développer," meaning "to unwrap or unfold") and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a state or condition). The prefix "un-" negates the core meaning, while "develop" originally referred to the gradual unfolding or growth of something. Over time, "develop" expanded to include progress in various contexts (e.g., technology, land, ideas). Thus, "undeveloped" logically denotes something that has not undergone this process of growth or advancement.
The undeveloped film was accidentally exposed to light.
Large areas of the country remain undeveloped due to strict environmental laws.
Her undeveloped ideas needed more research to become viable.
The island has miles of undeveloped coastline.
The project was abandoned, leaving the land undeveloped for decades.