immature

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'immature' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's behavior, attitude, or outlook that is childish, irresponsible, or not yet fully developed. For example: "The student's immature behavior in class was disruptive and disrespectful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did, however, refer to "immature and irresponsible behaviour" by Shoraka when she threw paint at Downing Street's gates in 2004 while dressed as a judge.

The Guardian

"In the second attempt, an immature female, which nested 5 metres [16ft] from the boundary of the moor, laid two eggs in Northumberland but the eggs were not viable despite the female incubating for the full term and the male provisioning her well.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

GEDDIT?! – but is really there because the fashion world has the mentality of an especially immature high schooler.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In fact, the brain remains immature in some areas, barely developing since babyhood, hence our occasional gothically immature reactions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The immature sugar cane grows up past their shoulders, rows and rows of it, the narrow leaves forming spiny corridors whose ends are so distant they are impossible to see.

The Guardian

The word "immature" is too often wielded as an insult, usually to shame you into doing something boring.

The Guardian

You're supposed to be immature when you're a fresher.

The Guardian

Not only the fact that a Baltimore nobody could take out one of the Greek's top men, but also Ziggy's personal transformation from an immature object of ridicule to a person of (rather severe) consequence.

The Guardian

This omission testifies to something immature, obtuse and testosteroney in the Oscar taste.

The Guardian

The scientists reprogrammed skin cells from three dementia patients into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), immature cells that mimic stem cells taken from early-stage embryos.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing behavior, use "immature" to suggest a lack of emotional or intellectual development appropriate for the person's age. For instance, "His immature response to criticism damaged his professional reputation."

Common error

Avoid using "immature" when "inexperienced" or "unfamiliar" is more accurate. "Immature" implies a behavioral or emotional deficiency, while lack of knowledge simply indicates a need for learning. For example, instead of saying "His immature understanding of the subject led to errors", consider "His lack of experience with the subject led to errors".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "immature" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being not fully developed or behaving in a childish manner. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing examples where "immature" describes both physical states (e.g., "immature sugar cane") and behavioral traits (e.g., "immature behavior").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immature" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a lack of development or childish behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in both physical and behavioral contexts. Its register is generally neutral, though tone can vary. Common synonyms include "childish", "undeveloped", and "naive", each with slightly different nuances. To use "immature" effectively, consider the specific context and the intended degree of criticism or objectivity. Remember to differentiate "immature" (behavioral) from "inexperienced" (lack of knowledge). With its frequent usage across various domains, mastering the use of "immature" can greatly enhance one's written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

childish

Specifically refers to behavior characteristic of a child, often implying silliness or lack of seriousness.

undeveloped

Focuses on the lack of complete development, applicable to both physical and abstract contexts.

puerile

Denotes childish silliness or triviality, often in a disapproving way.

unripe

Specifically refers to something not fully developed, often used in a literal sense but can be metaphorical.

naive

Indicates a lack of experience and knowledge of the world, often implying innocence or gullibility.

callow

Emphasizes inexperience and a lack of sophistication, often with a negative connotation.

jejune

Suggests a lack of maturity and sophistication, often implying simplicity or naivete.

youthful

Highlights the qualities associated with youth, sometimes implying a lack of experience.

unsophisticated

Highlights a lack of refinement or worldly knowledge.

green

Implies a lack of experience or training, similar to being unripe or new.

FAQs

How to use "immature" in a sentence?

You can use "immature" to describe something not fully developed or someone behaving in a childish way. For example, "The "immature sugar cane" grows up past their shoulders" or "His "immature behavior" was inappropriate for the setting".

What can I say instead of "immature"?

You can use alternatives like "childish", "undeveloped", or "naive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "immature behavior" or "unmatured behavior"?

"Immature behavior" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Unmatured" is less frequent and sounds unnatural in most contexts.

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

While both describe a lack of maturity, "immature" often implies a general lack of development or sophistication, whereas ""childish"" specifically refers to behavior resembling that of a child.