unmatured

A green tomato hangs unmatured on the vine.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not fully developed or ripe: "unmatured" describes something that has not reached its full state of growth, readiness, or perfection, particularly in a physical or biological sense.
   • Not yet due or payable: In finance or law, "unmatured" refers to a debt, obligation, or financial instrument that has not yet reached its scheduled date for payment or fulfillment.
   • Lacking emotional or intellectual maturity: "unmatured" can describe a person or behavior that is not fully grown in terms of judgment, wisdom, or responsibility.

Usage Examples

• Physical development:

  • The fruit was unmatured and too sour to eat. (The fruit had not yet ripened fully.)

• Financial context:

  • The bond remains unmatured until its maturity date in 2030. (The bond has not yet become due for payment.)

• Personal development:

  • His unmatured attitude caused problems in the workplace. (His lack of emotional maturity led to difficulties.)

Advanced Usage

• "unmatured obligation": a debt or legal duty that is not yet required to be fulfilled.

  • The company listed unmatured obligations as a contingent liability. (Debts not yet due were recorded as potential future costs.)

• "unmatured potential": a capacity or talent that has not yet been fully realized or developed.

  • The artist's unmatured potential was evident in her early sketches. (Her talent was clear but not yet fully refined.)

Variants and Related Words

• Matured (adj): having reached full development or the due date.

  • The matured wine had a rich flavor. (The wine was fully aged.)

• Maturity (n): the state of being fully developed or due.

  • The loan reached maturity after five years. (The loan became due.)

• Immature (adj): not fully grown or developed; often implies childishness.

  • He was too immature to handle the responsibility. (He lacked the necessary emotional development.)

Synonyms

• Underdeveloped: not fully grown or advanced.
• Unripe: not yet ready to be eaten or used (especially for fruit).
• Unfulfilled: not yet realized or completed.

Antonyms (for clarity)

• Mature: fully developed or due.
• Ripe: ready for use or consumption.

Related Idioms

• "Unmatured as green wood": a simile meaning something is not ready or prepared.

  • His ideas were unmatured as green wood, needing time to dry and harden. (His thoughts were not yet fully formed or practical.)

• "Unmatured in judgment": lacking the wisdom that comes with experience.

  • The unmatured in judgment often make hasty decisions. (Those without life experience act impulsively.)