immature

/,imə'tjuə/

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The Word: "Immature"

Part of Speech: Adjective

Usage Instructions:

1. When describing living things (like birds or fruits), "immature" means they are not fully grown or developed.
2. When referring to people, it indicates that they are acting in a way that is not grown-up or responsible.

Examples:

1. Living Things:

   • "The small unfledged sparrow on the window sill is still immature; it hasn’t developed feathers yet."
   • "The apples on the tree are still immature; they are green and not ripe enough to eat."

2. People and Behavior:

   • "His immature behavior in class got him in trouble with the teacher."
   • "She is very mature for her age, unlike some of her immature friends."

Advanced Usage:

• "Immature" can also describe attitudes or actions that lack sophistication or seriousness.
• In psychology, it might describe someone who has not developed emotionally or socially to a level expected for their age.

Word Variants:

• Immaturity (noun): The state of being immature.
  • Example: "His immaturity is evident in the way he handles conflicts."
• Mature (adjective): The opposite of immature; fully developed or grown.
  • Example: "She is very mature for her age."

Different Meanings:

• In a biological context, it often refers to stages of development in animals or plants.
• In a social or emotional context, it refers to behavior that lacks adult-like qualities.

Synonyms:

• Unripe
• Underdeveloped
• Inexperienced
• Childish (when referring to behavior)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Acting like a child": This idiom describes someone behaving immaturely.

  • Example: "Stop acting like a child and take responsibility for your actions."

• "Grow up": This phrase means to become more mature or responsible.

  • Example: "You need to grow up and start taking your studies seriously."

Academic

Adjective

1. (of birds) not yet having developed feathers
   • a small unfledged sparrow on the window sill
2. not yet mature
3. not fully developed or mature; not ripe
   • unripe fruit
   • fried green tomatoes
   • green wood
4. (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
   • young people
5. characteristic of a lack of maturity
   • immature behavior

Synonyms

• unfledged
• green
• unripe
• unripened
• young