premature

[ pree-muh-choor, -toor, -tyoor, pree-muh-chooror, especially British, prem-uh-, prem-uh- ]

adjective

1. occurring, coming, or done too soon:

   a premature announcement.

2. mature or ripe before the proper time.

noun

1. a premature infant.

premature

/ ˌprɛməˈtjʊə; ˈprɛməˌtjʊə /

adjective

1. occurring or existing before the normal or expected time
2. impulsive or hasty

   a premature judgment

3. (of an infant) weighing less than 2500 g (5 1 2 lbs) and usually born before the end of the full period of gestation

Derived Forms

• ˌpremaˈtureness, noun
• ˌpremaˈturely, adverb

Other Words From

• prema·turely adverb
• prema·turi·ty prema·tureness noun
• unpre·ma·ture adjective
• unpre·ma·turely adverb
• unpre·ma·tureness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of premature¹

From the Latin word praemātūrus, dating back to 1520–30. See pre-, mature

Word History and Origins

Origin of premature¹

C16: from Latin praemātūrus, very early, from prae in advance + mātūrus ripe

Example Sentences

And last month, a woman was jailed for five years after lying about her experience and qualifications to get a job as a senior nurse in a unit for sick and premature babies.

From BBC

"This means that people with cerebral palsy may develop other noncommunicable diseases in early adulthood that can contribute to accelerated aging and premature death," said Peterson.

From Science Daily

Descriptive data on mortality reveal complex links between alcohol use and premature deaths.

From Science Daily

A recent paper found that women experiencing premature menopause, particularly in the age group of 30–39 years, is also on the rise.

From BBC

Including her in a head-to-head matchup with other candidates felt premature, DiCamillo said, because she was still running for president when the poll was conducted.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immature
• incomplete
• untimely