immature

1 of 2

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

immature talents

a vigorous but immature school of art

2

archaic : premature

immature noun

immaturely adverb

immaturity

ˌi-mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈtu̇r-, 

-ˈtyu̇r-

noun

immaturity

2 of 2

noun

im·​maturity "+ 

1

: the state or quality of being immature

emotional and cultural immaturity

the immaturity of such coarse mineral soils

2

: something immature

childish immaturities

always within his immaturities is the saving grace of his willingness … to accept responsibility

—Times Literary Supplement

Synonyms of immature

Adjective

• young
• juvenile

Examples of immature in a Sentence

Adjective

The flock included both adult and immature birds.

His teachers have complained about his immature behavior.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His position is assumed, in turn, by the largest of the immature fish, who, thanks to the tragedy, finally gets to grow up. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Even Stevens was never afraid to go all out for its constant string of gags and jokes, led by Shia LaBeouf as the immature prankster Louis Stevens. — Christian Holub, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026

The first thing a stressed cucumber plant will do is drop blossoms and immature fruit, says Gorlin-Crenshaw. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

The repetition accounts for immature pollen grains and mediates weather challenges by offering multiple opportunities for the pollen to transfer to the stigma. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin immaturus, from in- + maturus mature

Noun

Latin immaturitas, from immaturus + -itas -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for immature

• annexure
• embouchure
• epicure
• paramour
• premature
• reassure
• reinsure
• sinecure
• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure

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