What does premature mean?
Premature describes something that happens too soon, either before the expected time or before there is enough information to judge the situation properly. A decision may be premature if it is made without adequate evidence, while a conclusion may be premature if it is reached while relevant facts remain unavailable. In medical contexts, a premature birth occurs before the full period of pregnancy has elapsed. The word often carries a mildly critical implication: rather than simply describing an early event, it suggests that waiting would have been wiser. It can also be used more neutrally in technical settings, such as a premature termination of a process. Because it distinguishes not only timing but also readiness and appropriateness, premature is more precise than simply early, which can be entirely appropriate or even desirable.
adjectiveHappening, done, or existing before the expected or proper time; too early.
- Occurring, happening, or done before the expected or proper time.
- Based on insufficient information or too little time, and therefore ill-considered.
- Born before the full expected period of development has been completed.
"The researchers warned that drawing a conclusion from such a small sample would be premature."
"After only three interviews, it was premature to announce a winner."
"The baby's premature arrival led to a lengthy stay in the neonatal unit."
Premature literally means “before being ripe”: it comes from a Latin word for something unripe brought to maturity too soon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of premature
Premature comes through French from the Latin praematurus, meaning “too early” or “untimely.” The Latin word combines prae-, meaning “before,” with maturus, meaning “ripe” or “mature,” literally describing something ripe before the proper time. The word entered English in the early 17th century and was initially associated with birth or development occurring too early.
Related word forms
How premature is actually used
The word is common in formal and professional contexts, especially in discussion, research, medicine, and planning. It usually implies that an action or judgment has occurred before the relevant time or before sufficient evidence is available.