Underage
/ˌʌndərˈeɪdʒ/
Definitions
Being below the minimum age required for something, especially a legal activity or privilege.
/ˌʌndərˈeɪdʒ/
Below the legal or accepted age.
He was charged with providing alcohol to underage individuals.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to buy a lottery ticket, but the cashier says you're underage. It means you're too young to do something that's allowed for older people. Like when you're not old enough to drink or vote.
👶 For kids: Being too young to do something that grown-ups can do, like watching a movie or buying a toy that says '18+' on it.
More Examples
The concert venue strictly enforced rules against underage attendees.
The movie was rated for mature audiences, so it was not suitable for underage viewers.
How It's Used
"The law prohibits underage drinking."
"The club refused entry to underage patrons."
From 'under' (below) + 'age'. It developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century as a way to describe someone who is below the legal or expected age for something, like drinking or voting.
The term has become more prominent in modern times with stricter laws about age restrictions on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.