Inklingo
A visualization of growth and progress, showing a tiny brown seed in the soil connected visually to a large, vibrant green seedling that is reaching upwards.

desarrollo

de-sah-RRO-yo

nounmB1
development?general progress or growth
Also:growth?increase in size or maturity,unfolding?the progression of a story or event,evolution?gradual process of change

📝 In Action

El desarrollo económico de la región ha mejorado mucho.

B1

The economic development of the region has improved a lot.

Necesitas un plan para tu desarrollo profesional.

B1

You need a plan for your professional development.

El desarrollo de la película fue lento pero interesante.

B2

The unfolding/development of the film was slow but interesting.

La niñez es una etapa clave para el desarrollo del lenguaje.

B2

Childhood is a key stage for language development.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • progreso (progress)
  • crecimiento (growth)
  • evolución (evolution)

Antonyms

  • estancamiento (stagnation)
  • declive (decline)

Common Collocations

  • desarrollo sosteniblesustainable development
  • desarrollo personalpersonal development
  • país en desarrollodeveloping country

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', this word is always masculine, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el desarrollo'.

Linking with 'de'

To say 'the development OF something,' you almost always need the word 'de': 'el desarrollo de la tecnología' (the development of technology).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Using 'desarrollo' when you mean the verb 'develop' (desarrollar)."

Correction: Remember 'desarrollo' is the *thing* (the progress), while 'desarrollar' is the *action* (to make progress).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

This word is perfect for formal writing, academic papers, and business discussions. It sounds more professional than simple synonyms.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: desarrollo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'desarrollo'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'desarrollo' used for personal growth?

Absolutely! It's very common to talk about 'desarrollo personal' (personal development) or 'desarrollo profesional' (professional development) when referring to improving yourself or your career.

How is 'desarrollo' different from 'crecimiento'?

Both mean growth, but 'crecimiento' (growth) often implies a quantitative increase (like height or sales figures). 'Desarrollo' (development) usually implies a qualitative improvement, maturity, or complexity—a process of becoming better or more organized.