adulthood

[ uh-duhlt-hood ]

noun

1. the state or period of being fully grown, fully developed, or of age:

   My mother raised four children to adulthood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of adulthood¹

adult ( def ) + -hood ( def )

Example Sentences

I want to recall what’s been washed away by the pull of adulthood, what age and responsibility demand that we compromise, that we let go of.

From Los Angeles Times

She falls through a rack of dresses and finds herself in a fantastical world, where she revisits moments in her life - from childhood through to teenage years and adulthood.

From BBC

The effects of malnutrition and starvation during childhood continue into adulthood.

From Salon

“These homes have a lot of kids living with their parents into adulthood. They want the American dream. And so those are the issues that swing this district.”

From Los Angeles Times

Psychologists know that childhood trauma, or the experience of harmful or adverse events, can have lasting repercussions on the health and well-being of people well into adulthood.

From Salon

Related Words

• boldness
• bravery
• courage
• fortitude
• masculinity
• mettle
• nobility
• potency
• virility