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

• young
• juvenile

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

But for now, the cost to implement what is still an unproven and immature AI solution at a small business is too prohibitive. —Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

When first released, Marfenin’s hydrozoan medusae are immature. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025

The immature or nymph stage is similar in shape but more red than adult bugs. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025

Unlike adults who have usually acquired some ability to regulate their nervous system states, a child has both an immature nervous system and an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex. —Nancy L. Weaver, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin immaturus, from in- + maturus mature

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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