Infantile: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe very immature behavior, often resembling that of an infant. This word can carry a negative connotation.

• The CEO's infantile outburst shocked everyone in the meeting
• Making such infantile jokes at your age is unacceptable

Use to describe behavior or actions that are silly or lacking maturity, often in a critical way.

• Stop being so childish and take responsibility for your actions
• Her childish laughter filled the room

Refers to someone who behaves in a way that is not appropriate for their age, implying a lack of emotional or intellectual development.

• His immature comments embarrassed everyone in the room
• She was too immature to handle the responsibilities of the job

Can describe both youthful characteristics and immaturity. Often used in legal contexts or to describe someone under the age of 18.

• His juvenile sense of humor was not appreciated by his colleagues
• The juvenile court handles cases involving minors

Used often to describe behavior or actions that are very immature, especially in adults, and often has a negative connotation.

• His jokes were so infantile that no one laughed
• Her infantile attitude made it difficult to work with her

Commonly used to describe behavior or things that resemble or are appropriate for a baby, often with a light negative connotation but sometimes used affectionately.

• Stop being so babyish and eat your vegetables
• The babyish giggles of the toddlers filled the room

Usually used in a positive way to describe qualities or actions that are innocent, simple, and pure, reminiscent of how a child would behave.

• Her childlike wonder made everyone smile
• He approached the task with a childlike curiosity

Specifically refers to a young child who is just starting to walk, usually between the ages of 1 to 3 years. The term is often neutral and factual.

• The toddler stumbled as he took his first steps
• She read a story to a group of toddlers at the library