late bloomer

American  

noun

1. a person whose talents or capabilities are slow to develop.

   A late bloomer, she wrote her first novel when she was almost 50.

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Example Sentences

Bohm was a late bloomer in high school, growing so fast that he required elbow surgery between his junior and senior years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

A 64-year-old late bloomer who arrived in Bloomington with a cocky press conference and group of James Madison transfers, Cignetti delivered swagger, talent and a gift for navigating college football’s turbulent, transfer-happy economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

“He always said it was fine to be a late bloomer if you made it to the flower show,” Pat wrote in her husband’s death notice.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

Now retired Morgan was a bit of a late bloomer with the most memorable spell of his career coming with Leicester City, where he won the Premier League title at the age of 32.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2024

Eleanor hoped that Ben was a late bloomer.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell