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

How to Eat Corn on the Keto Diet Substitute Baby Corn for Regular Corn Baby corn is simply immature ears of corn that are harvested from regular-size corn plants. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Oct. 2024

Juvenile justice advocates argued that the law would cause teenagers to be prosecuted as adults for behaviors that are typical for immature adolescents. —ProPublica, 3 Oct. 2024

However, those with an immature operating model and sourcing strategy might see slower-than-optimal delivery of solutions. —Araya Solomon, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

According to the zoo's website, Asian elephants usually stay in small, multi-generational herds of related females, their offspring and related immature males. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 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