youth

The time in someone’s life when they are young, before becoming fully grown or older.

• I lived here in my youth.
• She often talks about her youth.
• They spent much of their youth by the sea.

How to use it: in someone’s youth (He travelled widely in his youth.)

Similar words: early life

Opposites: old age

Common phrases: in my youth, during her youth, days of youth

Young people considered together as a group.

• The centre supports local youth.
• Youth unemployment has fallen this year.
• The survey asked the nation’s youth about their hopes.

Similar words: young people

Common phrases: today’s youth, youth services, youth unemployment

The state of being young, often seen in someone’s appearance, energy, or lack of experience.

• Her youth gave her energy.
• Despite his youth, he was a careful leader.
• The team valued her youth and fresh ideas.

Similar words: youthfulness

Opposites: age

Common phrases: her youth, despite his youth, youth and energy

A young person, especially a teenage boy or young man.

• A youth was waiting outside.
• Police questioned three youths near the station.
• The injured youth was taken to hospital.

Similar words: young person, young man

Common phrases: a local youth, a teenage youth, a group of youths