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 Word Forms

• 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

But happy endings aren’t meant to come at the start of romantic tales and the exuberance proves to be premature.

From Los Angeles Times

The NIH lists some possible risk factors including prenatal exposure to pesticides or air pollution, premature birth or low birth weight, maternal health problems and parents conceiving at older ages.

From BBC

Sarah says she wanted to do more to look into the causes and consequences of premature birth.

From BBC

Andy Pages was caught stealing to end the sixth inning, getting stuck in a rundown after a premature jump that triggered a pick-off throw from Luzardo.

From Los Angeles Times

Bliss, a charity which supports the families of premature and sick babies, said the law change was "transformative".

From BBC

Related Words

• immature
• incomplete
• untimely