What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adolescent
Example
The adolescent years can be challenging for both parents and teenagers. [adolescent: adjective]
Example
She is an adolescent who is struggling with self-esteem issues. [adolescent: noun]
teenager
Example
My daughter is a teenager now and wants more freedom. [teenager: noun]
Example
Teenagers often struggle with peer pressure and fitting in. [teenagers: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teenager is a more common term than adolescent in everyday language, likely due to its casual nature and specific age range.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adolescent and teenager?
Adolescent is a more formal term than teenager, making it more appropriate for academic or professional contexts.
