Young adult Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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young adult

[ˈjʌŋ ˈædʌlt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

age group

A person in their late teens or twenties, considered to be in the transitional stage between adolescence and adulthood.

Synonyms

adolescent, teenager, young person, youth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
young adult	Typically refers to individuals in their late teens to mid-twenties, often used in contexts related to literature, media, and psychological development. Young adult fiction is a popular genre among readers aged 16 to 24. Young adults often face challenges transitioning into the workforce.
adolescent	Usually used in medical, psychological, or educational contexts to describe someone who is in the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood, approximately between the ages of 10 and 19. Adolescents often experience significant physical and emotional changes. The program is designed to support adolescents dealing with mental health issues.
youth	Can refer to both the state of being young and young people as a group. It's often used in policy, social work, and community contexts. Has a collective connotation and can sometimes imply inexperience or recklessness. The organization is dedicated to empowering the local youth. Youth is a time of exploration and growth.
teenager	Commonly used in everyday language to refer to someone between the ages of 13 and 19. It's more casual and often used in social or familial settings. The teenagers spent the afternoon at the mall. As a teenager, she was very interested in music and sports.
young person	A general and neutral term that can refer to any individual who is not yet fully mature, often used in more formal or official contexts. Programs are available to help young persons develop leadership skills. A young person needs guidance and support during their formative years.

Examples of usage

Young adults often face important life decisions such as choosing a career path or starting a family.
Many young adults struggle with finding their identity and purpose in life.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

literature

A genre of fiction targeted at readers aged 18 to 30, typically characterized by themes and issues relevant to this age group.

Synonyms

YA literature, adolescent fiction, teen fiction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
young adult	Refers both to the actual demographic and the genre of books aimed at readers from 12 to 18 years old. When talking about books, it is often synonymous with YA literature. Young adult books often address complex emotional themes.
YA literature	An abbreviation for Young Adult literature, encompassing books aimed at readers from 12 to 18 years old. This term is broadly used in the publishing industry. YA literature bridges the gap between children's books and adult fiction. The bookstore has a special section dedicated to YA literature.
adolescent fiction	Refers to books written for and about adolescents, typically ages 12 to 18. These stories often deal with coming-of-age themes. Adolescent fiction often explores the challenges of growing up. Authors of adolescent fiction need to understand the teenage mindset.
teen fiction	Targets teenagers, usually between the ages of 13 and 19. It includes genres like romance, adventure, and fantasy that are popular among teens. The new teen fiction series is a hit among high school students. Teen fiction often features relatable characters and high school scenarios.

Examples of usage

Young adult novels often explore coming-of-age themes and relationships.
Many young adult books have gained popularity and have been adapted into successful movies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Young adult literature often includes themes like identity, relationships, and personal challenges, resonating deeply with its intended audience.
Popular young adult books like 'The Hunger Games' and 'Harry Potter' have not only gained adolescent fans but have also captivated older readers.
The genre has expanded rapidly since the 1990s, with diverse voices and stories that reflect different cultures and experiences.

Cultural Impact

Young adult culture has influenced trends in fashion, music, and technology, showcasing the interests and values of this age group.
The rise of social media has helped young adults connect with each other, sharing experiences and forming communities around mutual interests.
Films and television series adapted from young adult books have garnered immense popularity, often leading to supportive fanbases.

Psychology

The young adult stage is crucial for identity exploration, where individuals experiment with personal values and beliefs.
Psychological studies suggest this age group experiences increased pressure regarding education, relationships, and future careers.
Mental health awareness has risen among young adults, leading to discussions around anxiety, depression, and the importance of seeking help.

Education

Though often associated with fiction, young adult literature is increasingly incorporated into educational curricula to engage students.
Teachers use young adult novels to discuss complex societal issues, such as discrimination and mental health, in an accessible way.
Reading young adult literature can encourage lifelong reading habits, making it a valuable component of literacy education.

Origin of 'young adult'

Main points about word origin

The term 'young adult' originated in the 1960s to identify a specific age group in literature, reflecting their unique experiences.
Originally, literature for teens was often just considered children's books, but the young adult category helped to bridge the gap.
The phrase emphasizes the transition stage from adolescence to adulthood, marking a period of significant personal growth.

The term 'young adult' originated in the 1930s to describe a stage of life between adolescence and adulthood. It gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of literature targeted specifically at this age group. Today, young adult fiction is a thriving genre with a diverse range of themes and styles.