Adolescent

/ˌædəˈlɛsənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult.
The school organized various programs to support adolescents in their transition to adulthood.
A person in the stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically between the ages of 13 and 19.
Adolescents often face unique challenges that can affect their mental health.
adjective
Relating to or denoting an adolescent or adolescents.
The adolescent years are critical for emotional and social development.
Immature or juvenile in behavior or attitudes.
His adolescent antics often embarrassed his parents.

Etymology

From Latin 'adolescentem', meaning 'growing up'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

adolescent development:
The physical and psychological changes that occur during the teenage years.
adolescent brain:
Refers to the developing brain of a teenager, which is often linked to risk-taking behavior.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Teen
That new teen movie is about high school life.
Juvenile
The juvenile crowd at the concert was really energetic.