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.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

late bloomer

Deniz Undav is Germany’s unstoppable late bloomer, who scores more frequently than Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

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

Merrill Kelly, 37, SP, 2.9, 15.8: A late bloomer who became a stalwart starter for the Diamondbacks for years, Kelly might be restricted to a two-year deal because of his age.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2025

Edlefsen was a late bloomer, six years older than Ernest yet still only a teaching assistant.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik