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

Harvesting too early on immature beds also affects the maturation of the rice kernels over time, officials said. —Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024

Your ovaries might become more extensive, as many follicles containing immature eggs may develop around the edge of the ovary. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Sep. 2024

Plenty of people would call it gaudy and outré, an immature demand for attention or a tasteless attempt to secure superficial status. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 9 Sep. 2024

Infants' immature skin and the changing skin of older adults make these groups more vulnerable to skin irritation. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 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