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Definition of development noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

development

noun
 
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
 
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
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    growth

  1. [uncountable] the steady growth of something so that it becomes more advanced, stronger, etc.
    • a baby’s development in the womb
    • This is a perfectly normal stage of development.
    • the development of basic skills such as literacy and numeracy
    • The company can offer a number of opportunities for career development.
    see also self-development
    Extra Examples
    • A UN team is monitoring the development of the peace process.
    • A group of experts has been brought together to support the development of the project.
    • Cell divisions during development occur in a fixed sequence.
    • Education stimulates the development of rational thinking.
    • Environmental factors can accelerate the development of certain cancers.
    • He influenced the development of modern dance.
    • In the opening chapter, the author traces the development of judo from its ancient roots.
    • School should encourage the full development of a student's talents.
    • There is tremendous opportunity for personal and professional development at our company.
    • Too much emphasis on memorizing facts can inhibit the development of creative thinking.
    • an important stage in the development of Anglo-Irish relations
    Topics Change, cause and effectb1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • full
    • gradual
    • rapid
    verb + development
    • aid
    • allow
    • assist
    development + verb
    • occur
    • take place
    • continue
    development + noun
    • initiative
    • plan
    • programme/​program
    preposition
    • during development
    • in development
    • under development
    phrases
    • research and development
    • a stage in the development of something
    • a stage of development
    See full entry
  2. (economics) the growth of the economy of a country or region through increased business activity
    • Increased tourism will promote job creation and economic development.
    • International policies should support, not inhibit, sustainable development.
    • He described women as the backbone of rural development worldwide.
    • community development projects
    • a development plan/programme
    Extra Examples
    • practical strategies for promoting rapid development
    • The agency supports and promotes sustainable economic development.
    • Much of the EU's development aid is channelled through the European Development Fund.
    Topics Moneyb1
  3. new product or idea

  4. [uncountable, countable] the process of producing or creating something new or more advanced; a new or advanced product or idea
    • the development of new technology
    • Pete is head of product development.
    • in development A more powerful version of this electric bus is currently in development.
    • under development A new vaccine is under development.
    • This drug is an exciting new development.
    • development in something developments in aviation technology
    see also research and development
    Extra Examples
    • The company went deep into debt to finance the development of the engine.
    • The invention requires more development work to make it viable.
    • new developments in film-making
    • the lengthy development process of a new model of car
    • the three-year development cycle of their products
    • The government is encouraging the development of small businesses.
    • This piece of equipment is an exciting new development.
    Topics Scientific researchb1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • exciting
    • important
    • major
    development + verb
    • occur
    • take place
    • unfold
    preposition
    • development in
    See full entry
  5. new event

  6. [countable, usually plural] a new event or stage that is likely to affect what happens in a continuing situation
    • Have there been any further developments?
    • We welcome the recent positive developments.
    • development in something the latest developments in the war
    • There have been some interesting new developments in the case.
    Extra Examples
    • the significant developments taking place in the health service
    • The move from TV to film was a logical development in her career.
    • Are there further developments in the investigation?
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • exciting
    • important
    • major
    development + verb
    • occur
    • take place
    • unfold
    preposition
    • development in
    See full entry
  7. new buildings

  8. [countable] a piece of land with new buildings on it
    • I live in a brand-new housing development.
    • a mixed residential and business development
    see also ribbon development
    Extra Examples
    • The protesters oppose plans to build a commercial development on the site.
    • a luxury residential development
    • The building plans are for a mixed-use development.
    Topics Buildingsb2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • housing
    • residential
    • business
    See full entry
  9. [uncountable] the process of using an area of land, especially to make a profit by building on it, etc.
    • He bought the land for development.
    • The city has undergone rapid development.
    Extra Examples
    • Older houses are being brought back into productive use through residential and commercial development.
    • The proposed development of the site in Dublin's docklands attracted much publicity.
    Topics Buildingsb2
See development in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee development in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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