develop unevenly

[/dɪˈvɛləp ʌnˈiːvənli/]
verb phrase
desenvolver-se de forma desigual
1. to grow or progress at different rates; to advance with disparity in various aspects or regions
The country's infrastructure developed unevenly, with urban centers advancing faster than rural areas.
A infraestrutura do país desenvolveu-se de forma desigual, com os centros urbanos avançando mais rapidamente do que as áreas rurais.
2. to mature or expand in a non-uniform manner, creating imbalances
Economic sectors developed unevenly after the policy changes.
Os setores econômicos desenvolveram-se de forma desigual após as mudanças de política.
3. to evolve with inconsistent progress across different dimensions or locations
The child's cognitive and physical abilities developed unevenly.
As habilidades cognitivas e físicas da criança desenvolveram-se de forma desigual.
This phrase is commonly used in economic, social, and political discussions in both Brazil and the USA to describe regional or sectoral inequalities. In Brazil, it frequently refers to disparities between developed São Paulo and less-developed northeastern regions. In the USA, it often describes urban-rural divides or differences between coastal and interior states.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
develop disproportionatelyprogress unevenlygrow asymmetricallyadvance inconsistentlyexpand with disparity
Antonyms / Antônimos
develop evenlyprogress uniformlygrow symmetricallyexpand proportionally

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desenvolver-se de forma desigual
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desenvolver de jeito desigual
More colloquial variant
São Paulo
desenvolver-se desproporcionalmente
More formal/technical usage in business contexts
Portugal
desenvolver-se de forma desequilibrada
European Portuguese prefers 'desequilibrada' in some contexts

Related Words

uneven developmentdisparityasymmetrical growthregional inequalitybalanced developmentdevelopmental lag

Related Idioms & Phrases

two-speed development
growth disparities
developmental imbalance
unequal progress
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