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

These ETFs generate income from buying U.S. treasuries and paying out the interest across a wide range of maturity schedules, from ultra-short bonds to as far out as 30 years, and return capital to investors from the bond ladder as individual bonds mature. —Meredith Mutter, CNBC, 9 May 2025

The soul-stirring project is a story of acceptance, understanding, emotional maturity, and forward progression. —Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 9 May 2025

The extended duration of decomposition without vultures allows flies to reproduce at greater levels, causing more larvae to reach maturity. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025

Reese’s outfit exudes a clear sense of maturity, apropos on the eve of her 23rd birthday. —Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for maturity

• impurity
• obscurity
• security
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• purity
• surety

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