adolescent

[ ad-l-es-uhnt ]

adjective

1. growing to manhood or womanhood; youthful.

   Synonyms: young, immature

2. having the characteristics of adolescence or of an adolescent.

noun

1. an adolescent person.

   Synonyms: minor, teenager, youth

adolescent

/ ˌædəˈlɛsənt /

adjective

1. of or relating to adolescence
2. informal.
   behaving in an immature way; puerile

noun

1. an adolescent person

Other Words From

• ado·lescent·ly adverb
• postad·o·lescent adjective noun
• subad·o·lescent adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adolescent¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin adolēscent- (stem of adolēscēns “growing up,” present participle of adolēscere ), equivalent to adol(ē)- ( adult ) + -ēsc- verb suffix + -ent- adjective suffix; -esce, -ent

Example Sentences

The former boyband members share some of their most exciting adolescent moments becoming some of the defining faces of pop music.

From Salon

Increased awareness has to come from the medical fraternity, says Dr Satwik, adding that there need to be as many talks on menopause or perimenopause as there are on fertility and adolescent health.

From BBC

The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, a government agency focused on protecting children and adolescents in vulnerable conditions, echoed Toro’s concerns in a video statement released Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

She said "he had a penchant for touching and spying on young adolescent boys and his desires were easily satisfied because of the positions he held".

From BBC

In fact, surgery is not part of the standard of care in gender-affirming cases involving children and adolescents.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• juvenile
• minor
• teenager
• tween
• youngster
• youth