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

However, whether your child is ready or not will depend on their level of maturity and their ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines. —Maya Polton, Parents, 12 Apr. 2024

The lush score and rich, evocative visual language add a sense of grandeur and occasional maturity to the show that the narrative and dialogue can’t generate on their own. —Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

This premier virtual accelerator offers go-to-market support, expertise, and technology - all tailored to a new business's maturity stage. —Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024

Azaleas range in size depending on the variety—make sure to check maturity size and spacing requirements before planting to prevent large selections, like Southern Indian hybrids that can grow up to 8-10 feet tall, overtaking a sizable section of your landscape. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2024

The average after-tax yield on the intermediate corporate index is now higher than the average yield on the comparable maturity municipal bond index. —Chris Gunster, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Wright said the grit and maturity of Trammell and fellow guard Lamont Butler, the 21-year-old with an NBA physique and a passion for defense, also drove the weekend victories. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024

The most useful way to look at shoplifting is to identify the factors contributing to the act, taking into account age, maturity, circumstances and regret. —Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024

The different types mainly have to do with maturity. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appétit, 7 Mar. 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