premature

American  

[pree-muh-choor, -toor, -tyoor, pree-muh-choor, prem-uh-, prem-uh-] / ˌpri məˈtʃʊər, -ˈtʊər, -ˈtyʊər, ˈpri məˌtʃʊər, ˌprɛm ə-, ˈprɛm ə- /

adjective

1. occurring, coming, or done too soon.

   a premature announcement.

2. mature or ripe before the proper time.

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noun

1. a premature infant.

premature British  

/ ˌprɛməˈtjʊə, ˈprɛməˌtjʊə /

adjective

1. occurring or existing before the normal or expected time

2. impulsive or hasty

   a premature judgment

3. (of an infant) weighing less than 2500 g (5 1/ 2 lbs) and usually born before the end of the full period of gestation

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Other Word Forms

• prematurely adverb
• prematureness noun
• prematurity noun
• unpremature adjective
• unprematurely adverb
• unprematureness noun

Etymology

Origin of premature

From the Latin word praemātūrus, dating back to 1520–30. See pre-, mature

Example Sentences

Some studies show an association with heart disease and premature death, while others find only a modest link or no link to cardiovascular disease.

From The Wall Street Journal

The analyst note that it’s “premature” to add equity exposure aggressively, as markets are still adjusting to the evolving macro impact.

From The Wall Street Journal

At least eight children who were evacuated from Gaza as premature babies in the early weeks of the war, have returned from Egypt and been reunited with their relatives.

From BBC

The investigation centres on "possible unfair commercial practices" linked to the premature use of adult cosmestics, including "encouraging the compulsive purchase of face masks, serums and anti-aging creams" to children under the age of 10.

From BBC

Within boxing circles, that talk may be slightly premature but Itauma is keeping pace with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.

From BBC

Related Words

• immature
• incomplete
• untimely