What does "adulthood" mean?

1. (the state of being an adult) the state of being fully grown and having the mental maturity of an adult. 2. (the period of life) the years of your life after you grow up, usually starting at age 18.

How do you use "adulthood"?

Often used with the verbs 'reach' or 'enter'. Commonly preceded by possessive adjectives like 'my', 'his', or 'their'.

adulthood

US //əˈdəɫtˌhʊd// UK //ɐdˈʌlthʊd// adult·hood

1 the state of being an adult (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the state of being fully grown and having the mental maturity of an adult.

the condition of being physically and psychologically mature. Uncountable in most contexts.

Example

Learning to manage your own money is a big part of reaching adulthood.

Example

The transition into adulthood involves not only biological changes but also the development of emotional resilience and social responsibility.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'reach' or 'enter'.
- childhood
- infancy
2 the period of life (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the years of your life after you grow up, usually starting at age 18.

the period of time in a person's life following childhood and adolescence. Often used to refer to the legal status of majority.

Example

She spent most of her adulthood living and working in London.

Example

Many people find that the responsibilities of adulthood leave them with far less leisure time than they enjoyed during their university years.

Usage

Commonly preceded by possessive adjectives like 'my', 'his', or 'their'.
- majority
- youth
- adolescence

Origin

From adult + -hood.