Juniors: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to young or less experienced people in a professional or academic setting, often implying they are still learning or developing.

• The juniors need more training before they can handle complex tasks.
• The company organizes a special workshop for the juniors every summer.

Commonly used in sports or professions to describe new members who are just starting out. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative or patronizing connotation.

• The rookie made an outstanding catch in his first game.
• Rookies often make mistakes, but it's part of the learning process.

Primarily refers to people who are new to a particular activity or field and have little to no prior experience. Often used in contexts like hobbies, skills, or professions.

• As a novice in cooking, she accidentally burned the cake.
• The club welcomes novices eager to learn about photography.

Typically used to describe young people, often children or teenagers, with a focus on their age rather than their experience level. Can be used in casual or informal contexts.

• The park was full of youngsters playing and having fun.
• Youngsters these days are very tech-savvy.

Best used when referring to students in their third year of high school or university, especially in the United States. It distinguishes them from freshmen (first-year), sophomores (second-year), and seniors (fourth-year).

• The juniors are planning a fundraising event for their final year trip.
• As juniors, they have more responsibilities in the student council.

A more formal and universally understood term that can apply to any educational system. It denotes students in their third year of study, without the cultural or specific scholastic connotations present in terms like 'juniors'.

• Third-year students are eligible to apply for internships related to their field.
• As a third-year student, she has already completed most of her core requirements.

Refers to students in their second year of high school or university. This term is specific to the US education system and highlights the transition from freshmen to more experienced students.

• The sophomores are adjusting to the increased workload this year.
• Sophomores in high school often start thinking about potential colleges.