What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underage
Example
He was caught drinking underage at the party. [underage: adjective]
Example
The club has strict rules against allowing underage patrons. [underage: noun]
minor
Example
She is still a minor and needs her parents' permission to travel. [minor: noun]
Example
It is illegal to sell cigarettes to minors. [minor: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Minor is more commonly used than underage in formal contexts, such as legal documents and government regulations. However, underage is more commonly used in everyday language and media.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underage and minor?
Minor is a more formal term used in legal contexts, while underage is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
