underage

USAGE SUMMARY

"underage" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is not of legal age to do a certain activity. For example, "She was caught trying to buy alcohol despite being underage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She supported legislation to require parental consent for underage abortion in Alaska.

The Guardian - Opinion

Young people committed "a significant portion" of sexual offences, resulting in trauma to both victims and perpetrators, and the taskforce discovered evidence of sexual favours and prostitution to obtain alcohol and drugs, including among underage boys and girls.

The Guardian

That's where Chaisson was assigned after leaving a bank job to enlist when he was 17 – with his father's permission, since he was underage.

The Guardian

In Rumonge, for example, a small lakeside town south of Bujumbura, the investigation found that of the 50 adult sex workers questioned, half had been forced into the trade while they were underage.

The Guardian

The PDP has alleged widespread irregularities at the polls, including the use of underage voters by the opposition.

The Guardian

Related: Nigerian laureate Wole Soyinka laments 'vicious, unprincipled' election He complained of irregularities, however, including alleged APC voters who were underage or brought in from neighbouring Chad and Niger.

The Guardian

Italy's top court has definitively cleared Silvio Berlusconi of charges that he paid for sex with an underage dancer and then abused his position as prime minister to cover it up.

The Guardian

Sexual abuse of children was found to be "chronically undisclosed and under-reported", and in some remote communities "traditional beliefs and values are sometimes invoked to justify and sanction sexual contact between adult men and underage girls".

The Guardian

Even his party icebreaker – reiterating denials that he'd engaged in underage sex along with his paedophile friend – gestured tantalisingly toward his essential role, as he insisted: "My focus is on my work".

The Guardian - Opinion

Owing to the whole "underage sex slave allegations" thing currently besetting the Duke of York, an utterly bewildering number of bigwigs are coming out of the woodwork to speak up for Andy's indispensability.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier this year, Berlusconi was convicted of paying for sex with an underage prostitute at one such evening, and abusing his office to cover it up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "underage", always clarify the specific context or activity to which the age restriction applies (e.g., "underage drinking", "underage marriage").

Common error

Avoid using "underage" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "She is underage", specify "She is underage to purchase alcohol" to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The term "underage" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that someone is below the legal age for a particular activity or status. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "underage" describes activities such as drinking, voting, or sexual activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "underage" functions primarily as an adjective, indicating that someone is below the legal age for a specified activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it is frequently used, especially in News & Media. While the term itself is neutral in register, it's important to specify the context in which it's being used. Alternatives such as "below the legal age" or "not of age" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always ensure clarity by specifying the activity related to the age restriction to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Below the legal age

Focuses specifically on the legal aspect of being too young for certain activities.

Not of age

A more concise way to express the concept of not meeting the required age.

Too young

A simpler, more general term indicating insufficient age.

Juvenile

Emphasizes the youthfulness and immaturity associated with being below a certain age.

Minor

A legal term referring to someone who has not reached the age of majority.

Non-adult

Directly negates the status of being an adult, highlighting the lack of adult privileges and responsibilities.

Under the age of consent

Specifically refers to being below the age at which one can legally give consent to certain activities.

Infant

Refers to a child in its very early years.

Child

Refers to a young person who has not yet reached adulthood.

Youth

A more general term for young people, often used in the context of youth programs or services.

FAQs

How is the term "underage" typically used in sentences?

The term "underage" is usually used as an adjective before a noun, describing someone who is below the legal age for a specific activity. For example, "underage drinking" or "underage voter".

What are some alternatives to saying "underage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "below the legal age", "not of age", or "minor".

Is there a difference between "underage" and "minor"?

While both terms refer to someone who is not legally an adult, "minor" is a more formal, legal term. "Underage" is generally used in relation to specific activities for which there is a minimum age requirement.

What legal issues are commonly associated with the term "underage"?

Common legal issues associated with the term "underage" include underage drinking, underage smoking, and underage sex, all of which are often subject to specific laws and penalties.