欠发达地区（Underdeveloped areas）指的是有一定的发展水平但和发达地区相比尚有差距、文化教育落后的地区

欠发达地区在全球分布广泛，尤其是亚非拉面积最大

In economics, underdevelopment is when resources are not used to their full socio-economic potential, with the result that local or regional development is slower in most cases than it should be, specially compare with the investment and innovation in countries that surround it. Furthermore, it results from the complex interplay of internal and external factors that allow less developed countries only a lop-sided development progression. Underdeveloped nations are characterized by a wide disparity between their rich and poor populations, and an unhealthy balance of trade. Symptoms of underdevelopment include lack of access to job opportunities, health care, drinkable water, food, education and housing.