Inklingo

How to Say "underdeveloped" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atrasado

ah-trah-SAH-dohatɾaˈsaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'atrasado' when referring to technology, society, or progress that is significantly behind the current standards or has not advanced.
An old wooden plow sitting in a field next to a modern tractor.

Examples

Ese pueblo usa técnicas agrícolas muy atrasadas.

That town uses very underdeveloped farming techniques.

Sus ideas sobre la educación son un poco atrasadas.

His ideas about education are a bit old-fashioned.

Es una zona económicamente atrasada.

It is an economically underdeveloped area.

Using with 'ser'

Unlike the meaning of being 'late' for a meeting, when describing a country or a mindset as 'underdeveloped', we often use 'ser' because we are describing a characteristic or quality.

Sensitivity Note

Mistake: “Using this to describe people's intelligence.”

Correction: Be careful! Calling a person 'atrasado' can be very offensive as it can imply mental disability or being 'slow' in an insulting way. Use it for systems, ideas, or schedules instead.

retrasado

re-trah-SAH-dohre.tɾaˈsaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'retrasado' primarily when discussing technology or infrastructure that is lacking behind or not up-to-date in comparison to others.
A small, simple wooden shack with a thatched roof standing alone in an open field, symbolizing a lack of development.

Examples

Su sistema educativo está muy retrasado en comparación con otros países.

Their educational system is very backward/behind compared to other countries.

Esa empresa utiliza métodos de trabajo muy retrasados.

That company uses very outdated/backward working methods.

Atrasado vs. Retrasado

Learners often confuse 'atrasado' and 'retrasado'. While both mean 'behind', 'atrasado' is generally used for broader concepts like societal or technological progress, whereas 'retrasado' often refers more specifically to systems or infrastructure being out of date.

Related Translations

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