immature

Everyday

1. Immature means behaving in a silly, childish way, not as sensible as you should be for your age. tree →
2. (science) Immature means not fully grown or developed yet, like an immature bird or fruit. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it is often a criticism: «Stop being so immature!». In science lessons it describes young animals, plants or cells that are not yet adult or ripe. In stories it shows a character who needs to grow up. Opposite: mature. Phrases: «immature behaviour», «emotionally immature».

Examples

• It's immature to laugh when someone falls over. tree →
• Stop being so immature and say sorry. tree →
• Immature gulls have brown feathers. tree →
• Immature fruit is hard and sour. tree →
• The tadpoles are immature frogs. tree →
• He was too immature to look after a puppy. tree →

Note

Adjective; noun: immaturity. Prefix «im-» (not) + «mature», so double m. Calling someone immature is a criticism. For children, being playful is normal — immature means acting younger than expected in a situation.