childish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'childish' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is immature and unwise, usually in a negative way. For example: "My colleague's childish behaviour has been causing a lot of problems in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ecos Pueriles (Childish Echoes) was shown at Havana's Yoruba Cultural Center Gallery, and even garnered a write-up in Granma, Cuba's state newspaper.

The Guardian - Arts

You may well laugh at my childish excitement about this small insight, given it's complete lack of any consequential meaning – who cares what the man wears or how he sequences his wardrobe – but I liked it, because it rang true.

The Guardian

I'd had enough of childish, angry, disenfranchised academic passivity – and still resent the utter failure of public intellectuals to resist and critique the laughably short Browne review the moment it drew breath.

The Guardian

A far cry from the cheeky childish earlier incarnation – last seen in 2002 – the new Hamburglar is somewhere between hipster and Christian Grey.

The Guardian - Business

Is it childish and immature or just a harmless bit of "banter"?

The Guardian

This is a macho machine, vaguely smug: it feels less about childish treats on sunny days than whipping up peanut-butter ice-cream, rosewater gelato and basil sorbets to make your friends feel bad about their lives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most of my enthusiasm is quite childish; it reminds me exactly of what it was like working in my early 20s in theatre.

The Guardian

DEBATES about Israel tend to stir up unusual levels of ire and vitriol, driving otherwise smart people to make poor arguments and stoop to childish taunts.

The Economist

Talk not of the continuance of such a childish and wicked system, a system to which there was no parallel in any age or nation.

The Economist

To call this week's exchanges childish would be a sign of a typically patronising and ignorant attitude by an outsider, so I won't use that word.

The Economist

Also, for most of them, the basic, childish thrill of it hadn't worn off entirely, however long they'd been trailing him around, and despite everything they'd seen him do and fail to.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing behavior, consider whether "childish" accurately captures the intended level of immaturity or if a more specific term like "immature" or "puerile" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "childish" in highly formal or professional writing where a more nuanced term like "unprofessional" or "inappropriate" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "childish" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that it possesses qualities associated with a child, often negatively connoting immaturity or lack of sophistication. As Ludwig examples suggest, it qualifies behaviors, arguments, and systems as immature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the adjective "childish" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe behaviors or attitudes considered immature or inappropriate for adults. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, its usage leans towards informal, and it's frequently found in News & Media. It's crucial to be mindful of the negative connotation and consider more precise alternatives like "immature" or "puerile" in formal settings. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its application across various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing disapproval or criticism of perceived immaturity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immature

Focuses more on a lack of emotional or intellectual development.

immature behavior

Explicitly refers to actions lacking in maturity.

puerile

Highlights silliness and lack of seriousness, often in a more derogatory way.

infantile

Implies a regression to behavior typical of a very young child.

juvenile

Relates to youthfulness but can also suggest a lack of experience and judgment.

silly

Indicates a lack of seriousness or sense, often in a lighthearted way.

foolish

Suggests a lack of good sense or judgment.

asinine

Implies extreme foolishness or stupidity.

frivolous

Focuses on a lack of seriousness and a tendency to be carefree or trivial.

petty

Describes behavior that is small-minded and focused on unimportant details.

FAQs

How to use "childish" in a sentence?

You can use "childish" to describe behavior or attitudes that are immature or inappropriate for adults. For example, "His "childish behavior" at the meeting was embarrassing."

What can I say instead of "childish"?

You can use alternatives like "immature", "puerile", or "infantile" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "childish" or "childlike"?

"Childish" typically has a negative connotation, implying immaturity, while "childlike" usually has a positive connotation, suggesting innocence or wonder. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "childish" and "juvenile"?

"Juvenile" refers to things related to young people or the legal system for young offenders. "Childish" describes someone behaving in an immature way.