immature

American  

[im-uh-choor, -toor, -tyoor, -chur] / ˈɪm əˈtʃʊər, -ˈtʊər, -ˈtyʊər, -ˈtʃɜr /

adjective

1. not mature, ripe, developed, perfected, etc.

2. emotionally undeveloped; juvenile; childish.

   Synonyms:

   babyish, puerile, callow

3. Physical Geography. youthful.

4. Archaic. premature.

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immature British  

/ -ˈtʃʊə, ˌɪməˈtjʊə /

adjective

1. not fully grown or developed

2. deficient in maturity; lacking wisdom, insight, emotional stability, etc

3. geography a less common term for youthful

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Other Word Forms

• immaturely adverb
• immatureness noun
• immaturity noun

Etymology

Origin of immature

First recorded in 1540–50, immature is from the Latin word immātūrus unripe, hence, untimely. See im- ², mature

Example Sentences

The market for investment in carbon removals remains immature, however.

From The Wall Street Journal

The researchers also found that inflammation pushes cancer cells into a more immature, neuron-like state, which enhances their ability to spread and is linked to relapse.

From Science Daily

However, “such cycle peak fears are immature,” Weathers adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even so, she personally believes that concerns about an imminent memory-market peak “are immature.”

From MarketWatch

The result is a man who is emotionally immature, dishonest and unable to take responsibility.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• childish
• premature