Youth: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used to refer to young people collectively or the period of life when someone is young. It often emphasizes energy, potential, or vitality.

• The park was filled with youth playing soccer.
• He dedicated his youth to studying science.

Refers specifically to the transitional period from childhood to adulthood, typically involving physical and psychological development. Often used in scientific or medical contexts.

• Adolescence is a critical period for brain development.
• She faced many challenges during her adolescence.

Informal and affectionate term for young people, typically children or teenagers. Often used to convey fondness or a casual tone.

• The youngsters enjoyed the carnival games.
• He has been mentoring youngsters at the community center.

Specifically refers to young people between the ages of 13 and 19. Commonly used in everyday language, often focusing on social life, education, and trends.

• Teenagers today are very tech-savvy.
• The movie is popular among teenagers.

Primarily used in legal or formal contexts to refer to young people who are not yet adults. Sometimes carries a negative connotation, especially when referring to delinquent behavior.

• The court deals primarily with juveniles.
• Juveniles involved in crimes often receive different treatment from adults.

Commonly used in a general sense to refer to young people, especially teenagers and young adults. Can sometimes have a slightly informal tone. It is also often used in discussions about societal issues or in statistical data.

• The local community center offers many programs for the youth.
• Youth today face different challenges than previous generations.

A broad, neutral term suitable for various contexts, including casual conversation, academic discussions, or official documentation. It refers to children, teenagers, and young adults collectively.

• Young people today are highly engaged in social media.
• There are not enough job opportunities for young people in rural areas.

Often used in discussions that emphasize the vibrancy and energy of young people. Can be used in a variety of contexts, including motivational speeches, marketing, or cultural commentary.

• The youthful generation is bringing fresh ideas into the industry.
• Concerts and festivals are particularly popular among the youthful generation.

This term is more formal and often used in marketing, business, or academic contexts to refer to a specific age group, usually children and teenagers. It emphasizes segmentation of the population based on age for analysis or targeted purposes.

• Our new product is aimed at the junior demographic aged 10 to 15.
• The study examines the purchasing behavior of the junior demographic.