less mature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less mature" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when comparing two or more things or people in terms of their level of development or growth. Example: "John is the youngest member on our team, so he may be less mature compared to the others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More mature people lead and less mature people eventually end up yielding to maturation.

Huffington Post

Apple feels like a less mature product.

The Guardian - Tech

All incuses were more mineralized and less mature than controls.

Bone

How is teaching adults different from teaching less mature learners?

Clinical Simulation Operations, Engineering, and Management

The less mature florets should possess the same narrow and partially involute characteristic.

Stanford University

It was very interesting because this year the grapes are considerably less mature on this date.

Cornell University

We liked boys but boys were still a bit less mature than girls.

The Guardian - Music

Just because Europe is a less mature market doesn't make it a slam- dunk".

The New York Times

Renewables are less mature, but offer more growth potential as their cost rapidly falls.

The Guardian

Saleem feels as if he is becoming a man, but his behavior is actually less mature.

The New York Times

And didn't anyone ever go to camp and come back crankier and less mature?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less mature" to describe a person, ensure the context is appropriate and avoid generalizations. It's better to be specific about the qualities you are referring to, such as experience or emotional regulation, rather than making broad, potentially offensive statements.

Common error

Avoid using "less mature" in contexts where it could be interpreted as belittling or condescending. For instance, when providing feedback, focus on specific behaviors or skills that need improvement instead of labeling someone as "less mature", which can be perceived as a personal attack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less mature" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a lower degree of maturity relative to another entity or a general standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less mature" is a grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a lower degree of development, experience, or sophistication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While it is generally acceptable, context matters significantly, especially when describing people, and the term may come off as insensitive if not properly framed. To avoid misinterpretations, consider the specific qualities to which you are referring, and always aim for clarity and objectivity. Alternative phrases such as ""less developed"" or ""less experienced"" can provide similar meaning while mitigating potential negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more immature

Highlights behavioral aspects related to a lower level of emotional or social development.

not as developed

Focuses on the lack of advancement or growth, applicable to various subjects.

not as sophisticated

Highlights a lack of complexity or refinement, often used in technical or cultural contexts.

less advanced

Indicates a lower stage of progress or expertise, commonly used in technology or education.

less refined

Suggests a lack of polish or sophistication, typically used for processes, goods or methods.

less experienced

Emphasizes a lack of practical knowledge or skill gained over time, primarily referring to persons.

underdeveloped

Indicates a state of incomplete growth or potential, applicable in economic or personal contexts.

more junior

Suggests a lower rank or position in a hierarchy, mainly used in professional settings.

not as seasoned

Emphasizes a lack of experience, particularly in professional domains, highlighting the benefits of time and practice.

not fully grown

Relates to physical or biological immaturity, often used in the context of plants or animals.

FAQs

How can I use "less mature" in a sentence?

You can use "less mature" to compare the developmental stage of two subjects, for example: "This technology is "less mature" than the existing one" or "He is "less mature" than his peers".

What are some alternatives to using "less mature"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "more immature", "less developed", or "less experienced".

When is it appropriate to use the term "less mature"?

It is appropriate to use "less mature" when comparing the relative level of development, experience, or sophistication between two or more subjects. Ensure the context is objective and avoid using it in a judgmental manner.

What is the difference between "less mature" and "immature"?

"Less mature" is a comparative term that indicates a lower degree of maturity relative to something else. "Immature", on the other hand, is an absolute term suggesting a lack of maturity. "Less mature" can soften the judgment compared to labeling something as simply "immature".