What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
childish
Example
He threw a tantrum like a childish toddler. [childish: adjective]
Example
Stop being so childish and take responsibility for your actions. [childish: adjective]
immature
Example
His immature behavior showed that he still had a lot of growing up to do. [immature: adjective]
Example
She made an immature decision without considering the consequences. [immature: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Immature is more commonly used than childish in everyday language. Immature is a versatile word that can be applied to people of any age, while childish is more specific to child-like behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between childish and immature?
Both childish and immature can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, childish may be perceived as slightly more informal or colloquial compared to immature.
