noun
Common
maturity
muh-TYOOR-rih-tee
Maturity (noun) means the state of being fully grown or developed, especially in emotional or mental terms. Example: “Dealing calmly with criticism is a sign of emotional maturity.”
noun
1
The state of being fully grown or developed, especially in emotional or mental terms.
"Dealing calmly with criticism is a sign of emotional maturity."
"The teacher was impressed by the maturity of her youngest student's questions."
"He showed real maturity in how he apologised after the argument."
2
The point at which a loan, bond, or other financial obligation becomes due for repayment.
"You will receive the full amount when the savings plan reaches maturity."
"If you cash in the loan before maturity, the bank may charge a fee."
"The bond reaches maturity next January, when the investor gets back the full principal."
How to use maturity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing fully grown-up or developed — either emotionally, or in the financial sense of a debt finally coming due.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
reach maturity
emotional maturity
maturity date
lack of maturity
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Word forms
- Plural
- maturities
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Dealing calmly with criticism is a sign of emotional _____.
Etymology
From Latin maturitas, built from maturus ("ripe"); by form, simply mature plus the noun-forming suffix -ity.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
naïveté
immaturity
Related words
Rhymes for maturity
See all rhymes for maturity →Frequently asked questions
What does “maturity” mean?
The word “maturity” means the state of being fully grown or developed, especially in emotional or mental terms. In plain terms, being fully grown-up or developed — either emotionally, or in the financial sense of a debt finally coming due.
How do you pronounce “maturity”?
“Maturity” is pronounced muh-TYOOR-rih-tee (/məˈtʊɹəti/ in IPA).
How do you use “maturity” in a sentence?
Here is “maturity” used in a sentence: “He showed real maturity in how he apologised after the argument.”
What is another word for “maturity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “maturity” include matureness, ripeness, adulthood and due date.
What is the opposite of “maturity”?
The opposite of “maturity” — its antonyms — are naïveté and immaturity.
What part of speech is “maturity”?
“Maturity” is a noun.
Where does the word “maturity” come from?
The word “maturity” comes from Latin. From Latin maturitas, built from maturus ("ripe"); by form, simply mature plus the noun-forming suffix -ity.
Is “maturity” a common word?
“Maturity” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between maturity and adulthood?
Adulthood is simply the state of being an adult, usually defined by age. Maturity refers to emotional or mental development and sound judgment, which a person can have or lack regardless of how old they are.
When does a bond or loan reach maturity?
In finance, maturity is the point at which a loan, bond, or other obligation becomes due and its principal must be repaid to the holder. Reaching maturity marks the end of the agreed term.
What is the difference between maturity and ripeness?
Ripeness usually describes fruit or crops being ready to eat or harvest. Maturity is broader and covers full growth or development in people, plants, or financial obligations.
What words commonly go with maturity?
Common collocations include 'emotional maturity,' 'reach maturity,' 'financial maturity,' and 'maturity date.' The last of these belongs specifically to the banking and investment sense.
