underaged

USAGE SUMMARY

'underaged' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is younger than the age limit for a certain activity, or who is not legally old enough to do something, such as consume alcohol. For example, "The store refused to sell alcohol to the underaged teenager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some windows have been left ajar, offering a glimpse into the lives of women held here for so long, some of whom were underaged when they arrived in Lebanon.

The Guardian

Thanku to all the adults in Korea who are speaking out for underaged who want to come to the BTW Ball.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They feel that this kind of advertising is contributing to underage drinking, when children should be encouraged to lead "healthy positive lifestyles".

The Guardian - Opinion

Utah, for instance, claims that not having independent shops eliminates incentives to sell more alcohol and to sell to underage patrons.

The Economist

What else has changed?Pubs have become more hostile to underage drinkers.

The Economist

Even a future Berlusconi government is unlikely to legalise payments to underage prostitutes.

The Economist

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, verify the specific age of majority or the relevant age thresholds for the jurisdiction you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid using “underaged” interchangeably with terms like “minor” or “youth” without considering the specific legal and contextual implications. "Underaged" specifically refers to being below a certain age limit for a particular activity, while "minor" is a more general legal term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underaged" is as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun (usually a person) is below the legal age for a specified activity. Ludwig indicates it’s a correct and usable term.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "underaged" functions as an adjective describing someone below the legal age for a specific activity. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's relatively rare in general use. You'll primarily encounter it in news and media contexts, particularly when discussing legal matters or age-related restrictions. Alternatives like "minor" or "not of age" are more frequently used. When writing, ensure you verify age of majority and use the most accurate terminology for the legal jurisdiction involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor

A more common and legally precise term for someone under the age of majority.

not of age

A common phrase indicating someone is below the legal age for something.

under the age of majority

A formal and explicit way of stating someone is not yet an adult in the eyes of the law.

below legal age

Similar to 'not of age', but explicitly mentions the legal aspect.

non-adult

A simple and direct term emphasizing the lack of adult status.

not old enough

A general way to state that someone doesn't meet age requirements

juvenile

Often used in legal and law enforcement contexts.

youthful

Implies young age but doesn't necessarily indicate legal status.

too young

Informal way of saying someone doesn't meet the age requirement.

infant

Refers to a very young child, often before reaching the age of legal responsibility

FAQs

What does "underaged" mean?

The term "underaged" describes someone who is below the legal age required for a specific activity, such as drinking alcohol or voting.

Is "underaged" the same as "minor"?

While similar, "minor" is a general legal term for someone under the age of majority. "Underaged" specifically refers to being below the required age for a particular activity.

What are some synonyms for "underaged"?

Alternatives include "minor", "not of age", or "below legal age", depending on the context.

How is the term "underaged" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "underaged" often appears in discussions about laws prohibiting certain activities for those who are "not old enough", such as purchasing alcohol, voting, or entering into contracts.