childish
CHYL-dihsh
Childish (adj) means behaving in an immature way, typically expected only of a child. Example: “Storming out of the meeting was a pretty childish reaction.”
adj
1
Behaving in an immature way, typically expected only of a child.
"This game is very childish."
"Storming out of the meeting was a pretty childish reaction."
"Stop being so childish and just apologize."
"It was childish of him to refuse to speak to her for a week."
How to use childish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing in an immature, petty way — usually a criticism when applied to an adult.
Common mistake
"Childish" is usually negative (immature); "childlike" is usually positive (innocent, wide-eyed wonder).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
childish behavior
childish tantrum
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more childish
- Superlative
- most childish
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Storming out of the meeting was a pretty _____ reaction.
Etymology
From Old English ċildisċ, formed from "child" plus the suffix -ish.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “childish” mean?
The word “childish” means behaving in an immature way, typically expected only of a child. In plain terms, acting in an immature, petty way — usually a criticism when applied to an adult.
How do you pronounce “childish”?
“Childish” is pronounced CHYL-dihsh (/ˈt͡ʃaɪldɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “childish” in a sentence?
Here is “childish” used in a sentence: “Storming out of the meeting was a pretty childish reaction.”
What is another word for “childish”?
Words with a similar meaning to “childish” include immature, silly, unbecoming, juvenile, puerile and kiddish.
What is the opposite of “childish”?
The opposite of “childish” — its antonyms — are adultish, mature, adult and adultlike.
What part of speech is “childish”?
“Childish” is an adjective.
Where does the word “childish” come from?
The word “childish” comes from Old English. From Old English ċildisċ, formed from "child" plus the suffix -ish.
Is “childish” a common word?
“Childish” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between childish and childlike?
Childish is negative, describing immature behavior that is unbecoming in someone who should know better. Childlike is neutral or positive, describing innocent or wonder-filled qualities typically associated with children.
What is the difference between childish and juvenile?
Juvenile can be a neutral or technical term, such as in legal contexts referring to a young person, while childish is almost always a critical description of immature behavior in someone expected to act more maturely.
Is calling someone childish an insult?
Generally yes. Childish is used critically to describe immature or unreasonable behavior that is only expected of a child, so applying it to an adult is typically a criticism.
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