adulthood
Adulthood (noun) means the state or period of being an adult. Example: “She reflected on how much she'd changed since entering adulthood.”
How to use adulthood
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe stage of life once someone is grown up.
Word forms
adulthoods plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She reflected on how much she'd changed since entering _____.
Etymology
From adult + -hood.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for adulthood
See all rhymes for adulthood →Frequently asked questions
What does “adulthood” mean?
The word “adulthood” means the state or period of being an adult. In plain terms, the stage of life once someone is grown up.
How do you use “adulthood” in a sentence?
Here is “adulthood” used in a sentence: “She reflected on how much she'd changed since entering adulthood.”
What part of speech is “adulthood”?
“Adulthood” is a noun.
Is “adulthood” a common word?
“Adulthood” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "adulthood" and "maturity"?
"Adulthood" refers to the state or period of being an adult, essentially a stage of life, while "maturity" refers to the quality of being fully developed emotionally or mentally, which someone can lack even as an adult.
Is "adulthood" the same as "coming of age"?
"Coming of age" describes the transition or moment of becoming an adult, while "adulthood" describes the resulting state or period of being an adult that follows that transition.
Does "adulthood" refer to one specific age?
The definition describes adulthood simply as the state or period of being an adult, without tying it to one fixed age, since the boundary between adolescence and adulthood can vary by context.