maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈchər-,

also

-ˈtu̇r- 

-ˈtyu̇r-

1

: the quality or state of being mature

especially : full development

the maturity of grain

maturity of judgment

lacks the wisdom and maturity needed to run the company

2

: termination of the period that an obligation (see obligation sense 2c) has to run

Synonyms

• adulthood
• adultness
• majority

Examples of maturity in a Sentence

His behavior shows a lack of maturity.

He reached emotional maturity late in his life.

the maturity level of a child

The bond will reach maturity in 10 years.

Maturities on these bonds can be as long as 10 years.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the sultry track showcases the group’s evolution and maturity, the single doesn’t stray far from their signature R&B sound. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 Jan. 2025

This one against Colorado showed a level of mental toughness and maturity. —Joe Smith, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

Also, taxpayers can now submit a class 3 front-end engineering and design study as an indication of project maturity instead of a class 5 study, which means more taxpayers can apply for a provisional emissions rate sooner in their development process. —Marie Sapirie, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

The growing level of maturity in Ball’s game is noticeable. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being mature

especially : full development

2

: the date when a note becomes due

Medical Definition

maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty

mə-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē also -ˈchu̇r-

plural maturities

: the quality or state of being mature

especially : full development

Legal Definition

maturity

noun

ma·​tu·​ri·​ty mə-ˈtu̇r-ə-tē, -ˈchu̇r- 

: termination of the period that a note or other obligation has to run : state or condition of having become due