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maturity

n.
US //məˈtʃʊɹəti// UK //mətʃˈɔːɹɪti// ma·tu·ri·ty
  1. 1 personal behavior (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of behaving in a sensible and adult way.

    the state of being fully developed in character or emotional intelligence, typically associated with adult behavior.

    Example

    He showed great maturity by staying calm during the difficult argument.

    Example

    The candidate demonstrated a level of emotional maturity that far exceeded her years, handling the aggressive questioning with poise and professional distance.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense
  2. 2 physical growth (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the state of being fully grown or developed physically.

    the stage of life at which an organism has reached full physical development or is capable of reproduction.

    Example

    The trees reach maturity after about twenty years of growth.

    Example

    The researchers monitored the colony until the individuals reached sexual maturity, at which point the migration patterns shifted significantly.

    Usage

    uncountable in biological contexts
    • full growth
    • ripeness
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  1. 3 financial deadline (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

    the time when an investment or insurance policy is ready to be paid back.

    the end of the period for which a financial instrument is issued, at which point the principal is due to be repaid.

    Example

    The bond will pay out its full value when it reaches maturity in five years.

    Example

    Upon reaching maturity, the long-term treasury bonds were liquidated to provide the necessary capital for the firm's planned expansion into emerging markets.

    Usage

    often used with the preposition 'at'
Origin

From Middle English maturitee, maturyte, from Old French maturité, from Latin mātūritātem. By surface analysis, mature + -ity.

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