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

According to Elle Vet Sciences smaller breeds reach maturity much earlier than bigger ones. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Off to the processing facility Once a turkey reaches maturity, it's shipped off to processing plants on trucks, and sharp scheduling is a must. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 25 Nov. 2024

Asencio played a very serious game, playing very well and with maturity. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024

But there’s nothing gross or pathetic in this version of television maturity. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024

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