adjective
immature
im-uh-CHOOR/ˌɪməˈtʃʊr/
Not having reached full development.
The immature green tomatoes grow beside a fully ripe red tomato.
Etymology
The underlying image is 'not ripe': something has not reached full development. Applied to behavior, the same image describes a person whose judgment or conduct falls short of age-appropriate expectations.
In context
A manager stereotypes young people as careless and immature. But in reality, they are responsible and highly productive.
More examples
- An immature immune system leaves newborns more vulnerable to infection.
- His immature reaction makes a small disagreement much worse.
- The technology is still immature and needs more testing.
Forms
immature · more immature · most immature
immaturity noun — Lack of full growth or emotional development.
Similar words
- unripe
- Specifically describes fruit or crops that have not ripened.
- undeveloped
- Emphasizes development that has not occurred or has barely begun.
- childish
- Specifically describes behavior or judgment typical of a child.