Etymology
Origin of immaturity
1530–40; immature + -ity, probably reflecting Latin immātūritās untimely haste, unripeness
Explanation
The state of immaturity suggests something that has not ripened or is not fully grown. Applied to humans, it is the state of being less than fully-grown, or at least of acting in a childish or silly manner. With the Latin word immātūritās meaning "unripeness," as in a piece of fruit that is not yet fully developed, we can see the meaning of the modern word immaturity. Nowadays, the word is applied more often to people than to fruit, usually in referring to foolish behavior. Although the word is most often used to refer to adolescent behavior, it can still be applied to a physical state of development. And of course, it can still be applied to underripe produce.
Vocabulary lists containing immaturity
"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article
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"Fears and Phobias"
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Lessons 2–4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The theme of the show might be: 'But Immaturity Has Its Pitfalls'.
From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2016
His book, Men to Boys: The Making of Modern Immaturity, argues that "the culture of the boy-men today is less a life stage than a lifestyle."
From Newsweek • Feb. 26, 2010
Immaturity of judgment in the timing and drafting of legislation.
From Time Magazine Archive
Immaturity and infatuation make you vulnerable, even if you yourself aren't aware of it, and decent people in positions of power do not exploit the vulnerable for kicks.
From Time Magazine Archive
The signs of immaturity and maturity may be thus tabulated: Immaturity.
From Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology by Robertson, W. G. Aitchison (William George Aitchison )
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
