immaturity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immaturity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of maturity or the behavior of someone who is not acting in a mature manner. Example: "His constant need for attention is a clear sign of his immaturity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We attribute this to the immaturity of the end market and highlight that (1) low OEM capacity utilisation and (2) increasing aftermarket captivity could lead to O&G equipment margins to decline from 21% to 10% on recovery.

The Guardian - Business

"My phone was taken away, the hospital phone was removed from my room and even the scissors I used for art were taken".This is what the court has decided to allow to continue, and it was Cassandra's broken promise to seek treatment after being allowed to return home that was the linchpin of the state's case for her immaturity.

The Economist

A glum one is that the immaturity of Kiev's politicians, and their ties with big business, may wreck the revolution.

The Economist

Nobody will accuse you of immaturity or frivolity; just the opposite.

The Economist

Women are quick to say that men are pigs, unfaithful and can't ask for directions when driving; they take glee in findings that prove men are more prone to mental retardation, infant mortality and adolescent immaturity and are quick to crow about women's higher pain-thresholds and greater ability to multi-task (as if this proves that women are the stronger sex).

The Economist

More time spent out of sight of parents or bosses allows the immaturity of youth freer rein, which helps to explain the rising rates of drug use, crime and pregnancy for much of the past century.But even as the outcry over youth problems becomes shriller, the problems themselves are actually declining (albeit from high levels).

The Economist

Venture capital, private equity, commercial mortgage-backed securities, private partnerships...the list of ways of throwing money at risky ventures faster than the competition is constantly being replenished.One main cause of the dotcom bubble was the immaturity of the venture-capital industryOne main cause of the dotcom bubble was the immaturity of the venture-capital industry.

The Economist

They point to problems with Mr Nasheed, some accurate: impetuosity, immaturity, and a charge of being India's stooge.

The Economist

The grumpier view of many Ukrainians is that it is a sign of the incompetence and immaturity of the elite.

The Economist

Awareness of the tawdriness, silliness, immaturity and ruthlessness of this civilisation".In this section Not all words need be last words Getting the horn Dynamic duo One of them World views ReprintsPerhaps more than anything else, what separated Lewis from other writers from the mid-west, such as Eliot and Hemingway, was his refusal to abandon its people for any ideology or aesthetic.

The Economist

The puerile simplicity of some political coverage, Bagehot submits, reflects a broader and worrying immaturity in the way the country thinks about politics and government.In my beginning is my endThe next Bagehot will make his own negotiations with these difficulties and demands.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair "immaturity" with specific examples of behavior to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "immaturity" when "ignorance" is more appropriate. "Immaturity" implies a lack of emotional or behavioral development, while "ignorance" refers to a lack of knowledge. Use "ignorance" when someone is simply uninformed, reserving "immaturity" for situations involving underdeveloped emotional responses or behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "immaturity" is as a noun, referring to the state or quality of being immature. This is supported by Ludwig, where it functions as a subject or object in sentences, describing a condition or characteristic, such as "the immaturity of youth" or "a sign of the incompetence and immaturity of the elite."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Immaturity is a noun denoting a state of lacking full development, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. While appropriate for formal writing, careful consideration is needed to avoid sounding overly critical. Alternative terms like "lack of maturity" or "childishness" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. When using "immaturity", provide context and avoid confusing it with "ignorance", as the latter refers to a lack of knowledge rather than emotional development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of maturity

Emphasizes the absence of mature qualities or behavior.

childishness

Focuses on behavior resembling that of a child.

youthfulness

Highlights being young and inexperienced.

naiveté

Emphasizes a lack of experience and wisdom.

inexperience

Highlights the lack of practical knowledge or skill.

underdevelopment

Focuses on incomplete growth or progress.

callowness

Highlights the lack of sophistication and worldliness.

jejunity

Emphasizes the lack of depth or substance.

greenness

Focuses on the state of being new and untrained.

infantilism

Highlights regression to childlike behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "immaturity" in a sentence?

"Immaturity" is typically used as a noun to describe a state or quality. For example: "His constant need for attention is a sign of his immaturity."

What are some synonyms for "immaturity"?

Alternatives to "immaturity" include "lack of maturity", "childishness", or "naiveté", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "immaturity" in formal writing?

Yes, "immaturity" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing psychological or developmental aspects. However, ensure you provide context and avoid using it in a way that sounds overly critical or judgmental.

What is the difference between "immaturity" and "irresponsibility"?

"Immaturity" refers to a lack of development in emotional or behavioral areas, while "irresponsibility" refers to a failure to meet one's obligations or duties. While these can overlap, "irresponsibility" implies a deliberate choice, while "immaturity" suggests a developmental stage or limitation.