Underage

The term 'underage' refers to a person who has not yet reached the legally defined age of majority, typically associated with specific rights, responsibilities, and privileges.

This age varies depending on jurisdiction and the specific activity in question, such as drinking alcohol, voting, driving, entering into contracts, or viewing adult content.

Being underage signifies a lack of legal capacity or eligibility due to not having reached this prescribed age threshold, often reflecting societal concerns about maturity, judgment, and protection from potential harm or exploitation.

Legal and societal frameworks exist to safeguard individuals deemed underage, restricting certain freedoms until they attain the recognized age of adulthood.

Underage meaning with examples

• The store clerk refused to sell cigarettes to the young man because he appeared underage and couldn't produce valid identification proving he was of legal smoking age, potentially leading to a fine for the establishment.
• Due to concerns about exploitation, the law strictly prohibits employing underage children in hazardous working conditions, ensuring their safety and prioritizing their education and well-being.
• The website required users to confirm they were not underage before granting access to age-restricted content, employing a digital age verification system to comply with legal regulations.
• The parents were deeply concerned when they discovered their underage daughter had been attending parties where alcohol was being served, fearing for her safety and potential legal consequences.