immature

adjective

im·​ma·​ture ˌi-mə-ˈchu̇r  -ˈtu̇r 

-ˈtyu̇r

1

a

: exhibiting less than an expected degree of maturity

emotionally immature adults

b

: lacking complete growth, differentiation, or development

immature fruits

a sexually immature bird

c

: having the potential capacity to attain a definitive form or state : crude, unfinished

a vigorous but immature school of art

2

archaic : premature

immature noun

immaturely adverb

immaturity

ˌi-mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈtu̇r-

-ˈtyu̇r-

noun

Synonyms

• adolescent
• juvenile
• young
• youngish
• youthful

Examples of immature in a Sentence

The flock included both adult and immature birds.

His teachers have complained about his immature behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

During the show’s run, Kevin was sometimes considered selfish and immature, especially when compared to some of the gentler members of the Pearson clan. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

Adult human beings—even the callous, tone-deaf, emotionally immature ones—demonstrate an understanding of death that is remarkable in its sophistication. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

The immature or nymph stage is similar in shape but more red than adult bugs. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024

Safety and immature technology are often cited as the main reason for the slow deployment of autonomous vehicles (AV). —Gustavo Castillo, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin immaturus, from in- + maturus mature

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

immature

adjective

im·​ma·​ture ˌim-ə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r 

1

: not mature or fully developed : young, unripe

an immature bird

immature fruit

2

: showing less than an expected degree of maturity

immature behavior

immaturely adverb

Medical Definition

immature

adjective

im·​ma·​ture

ˌim-ə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r also -ˈchu̇(ə)r

: lacking complete growth, differentiation, or development

immature blood cells

emotionally immature

immaturely adverb

immaturity

-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē also -ˈchu̇r-

noun

plural immaturities