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

Toney has, however, been a bit of a late bloomer.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2025

“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

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

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik