emerging adulthood
nounUK /ɪˈmɜːdʒɪŋ ˈædʌlthʊd/
US /ɪˈmɝːdʒɪŋ əˈdʌlthʊd/
The time when you are not a kid anymore but not fully a grown-up yet.
During emerging adulthood, many people finish school and start figuring out what they want to do.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A life stage between about 18 and 25 when people explore who they are.
Researchers study emerging adulthood to understand how young people make big life choices.
3. The period when someone takes on new grown-up responsibilities step by step.
Getting a first job is a common part of emerging adulthood.
4. A time of change from living with parents to living on your own.
Moving to a new city for college can be part of emerging adulthood.