What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underdeveloping
Example
The lack of investment in education is underdeveloping the country. [underdeveloping: present participle]
Example
The government's policies are underdeveloping the economy. [underdeveloping: verb]
underdevelopment
Example
The underdevelopment of rural areas is a major challenge for the government. [underdevelopment: noun]
Example
The country's underdevelopment is due to a lack of investment in education and healthcare. [underdevelopment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underdevelopment is more commonly used than underdeveloping in academic and development contexts. Underdevelopment is a widely recognized term that describes the state of being less developed or advanced than others, while underdeveloping is a less common term that refers to the process or action of becoming less developed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underdeveloping and underdevelopment?
Both underdeveloping and underdevelopment are formal terms that are commonly used in academic and development discourse. However, underdevelopment is a more established and widely recognized term that is used in various formality levels, while underdeveloping is a less common term that may be more suitable for specific or technical contexts.
