underage Hear it!

underage¹ Definition

under·age (-āj′)

adjective

  1. not of full or mature age
  2. below the age required by law

underage² Definition

under·age (un′dər ij)

noun

a shortage; insufficiency

Etymology: under- + -age

underage Synonyms

underage

modif.

young, youthful, minor; see juvenile 1.

underage Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • drinker: Last week, a study revealed underage drinkers try to buy alcohol on average once every five seconds across the UK.
  • drinking: What do you think about underage drinking in pubs?
  • youngster: In July it was fined £ 1,500 with £ 1,331 costs for selling a knife to an underage youngster.
  • sex: The age profile of women showed that there was no obvious increase in underage sex.
  • sale: The packs will help traders uphold the law around underage sales of alcohol.
  • gambling: Operators must follow strict procedures to prevent underage gambling, including age checks on anyone who appears to be under 21.

Used with adjective complement

  • look: Like a guy in his thirties looks underage to even a bouncer on Sixth Street.