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adolescents

B1 noun #49 most common 11 min read

adolescents

Top 49

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips adolescents in 30 Seconds

Explanation adolescents in your Level:

At the A1 level, we can think of adolescents as 'big kids' or 'older children.' They are not small babies anymore, and they are not adults like your parents or teachers. They are in the middle. You might see them in high school. They are usually tall and like to spend time with their friends. In simple English, we often just call them 'teenagers.' For example, 'My brother is 15; he is an adolescent.' It is important to know that this word is a bit formal. If you are just starting to learn English, you can use the word 'teenager' instead, and everyone will understand you. Adolescents are people who are growing up very fast. They are learning how to be adults, but they still need help from their families. You will see them playing sports, studying for exams, and using their phones a lot. They are an important part of every family and every school.

At the A2 level, you should know that 'adolescents' is a plural noun used to describe young people between the ages of 10 and 19. This is a period of many changes. Adolescents are growing taller, their voices might change, and they start to have more opinions. They are moving away from being children and getting closer to being adults. You will often hear this word in school or when people talk about health. For example, 'Adolescents need to eat healthy food to grow.' It is a more formal word than 'teens.' When you use 'adolescents,' you are talking about the group as a whole. You might say, 'The adolescents in my town like to go to the cinema.' It is also useful to remember the singular form, 'adolescent,' which refers to just one person. Learning this word helps you talk about different age groups more accurately in English.

As a B1 learner, you can use 'adolescents' to discuss the transitional phase of life known as adolescence. This word is particularly useful when you are talking about social issues, education, or psychology. It describes young people who are experiencing significant physical and emotional development. For instance, you might say, 'Many adolescents face peer pressure at school.' This shows you understand that this age group has specific challenges. The word 'adolescents' is more precise than 'teenagers' because it includes the early stages of puberty, which can start before age 13. In your writing, using 'adolescents' makes your work sound more academic and professional. You should also be aware of common collocations like 'troubled adolescents' or 'healthy adolescents.' This word is a key part of the vocabulary needed to describe the human life cycle and societal structures.

At the B2 level, 'adolescents' is a standard term for discussing developmental psychology and sociology. You should be comfortable using it in essays and formal discussions. It refers to individuals in the stage of life characterized by the search for identity and increased independence. Adolescents are often the subject of research regarding brain development, specifically the maturation of the prefrontal cortex. You might use the word in sentences like, 'The study examines how adolescents navigate social hierarchies in digital environments.' At this level, you should also distinguish 'adolescents' from 'juveniles' (legal context) and 'youth' (broader social context). Understanding the nuances of this word allows you to participate in more complex conversations about education policy, public health, and social trends. It is a versatile noun that helps you categorize a specific and influential segment of the population.

For C1 learners, 'adolescents' is an essential term for nuanced academic and professional discourse. It denotes a demographic undergoing a complex interplay of neurobiological, psychological, and sociological shifts. In a C1 context, you might discuss the 'liminality' of adolescents—their position on the threshold between childhood and adulthood. You would use the term to analyze the impact of societal expectations on adolescents' mental health or to critique educational systems. For example, 'The pedagogical approach must be tailored to the cognitive plasticity of adolescents.' You should also be aware of the historical evolution of the concept of adolescence and how the term 'adolescents' has been used to pathologize or empower young people. Mastery of this word involves using it with sophisticated adjectives and in complex sentence structures to convey precise meanings about human development and social dynamics.

At the C2 level, the term 'adolescents' is used with a high degree of precision within specialized fields such as developmental neuroscience, behavioral economics, and sociolinguistics. You would use it to describe the cohort-specific behaviors and the evolutionary significance of the adolescent stage. A C2 user might say, 'The neurobiological predisposition of adolescents toward sensation-seeking is an evolutionary adaptation that facilitates the transition from the natal environment.' You understand that 'adolescents' is not just an age group but a biological and cultural construct. You can use the word to discuss the intersectionality of adolescents' identities, considering factors like socio-economic status, gender, and culture. Your usage should reflect an awareness of the subtle connotations the word carries in different academic disciplines, from the clinical focus of medicine to the critical perspective of cultural studies. Mastery at this level means using 'adolescents' to articulate complex theories about human growth and societal evolution.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

adolescents in 30 Seconds

Adolescents are young people aged 10-19 transitioning from childhood to adulthood.
The term is more formal and clinical than 'teenagers' or 'teens'.
It highlights a period of significant biological, emotional, and social development.
Used frequently in medical, educational, and psychological contexts to describe this specific group.

The term adolescents refers to a specific demographic of human beings who are navigating the complex transition from the dependency of childhood to the autonomy of adulthood. This period is not merely a chronological marker but a profound biological, psychological, and social metamorphosis. According to the World Health Organization, this phase typically spans from ages 10 to 19. When we use the word adolescents, we are often speaking in a context that acknowledges this growth. It is a more formal and clinical term than "teenagers," which specifically denotes those aged thirteen to nineteen. In academic, medical, and sociological discussions, adolescents is the preferred nomenclature because it encompasses the onset of puberty, which can occur before thirteen, and the continued brain development that persists into the late teens.

Biological Context: In biology, adolescents are studied for the hormonal shifts that trigger secondary sexual characteristics and the significant remodeling of the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control.

Medical researchers are studying how sleep patterns change in adolescents compared to younger children.

Socially, the term is used to describe individuals who are beginning to form their own identities separate from their primary caregivers. This involves a shift in focus from the family unit to peer groups. Educators and psychologists use the term to highlight the unique needs of this group, such as the requirement for social validation and the tendency toward risk-taking behavior. In legal contexts, while the term "minor" is more common for those under 18, adolescents is used when discussing juvenile justice or age-appropriate rights and responsibilities. It is a word that carries the weight of potential and the fragility of transition.

Sociological Context: Sociologists examine how adolescents interact with digital media and how these interactions shape their understanding of global issues and personal relationships.

The survey targeted adolescents living in urban environments to understand their transportation needs.

Historically, the concept of "adolescents" as a distinct stage of life is relatively modern. Before the industrial revolution, children often moved directly into adult roles. It was G. Stanley Hall, often called the father of adolescence, who popularized the idea of this period as one of "storm and stress." Today, we view it more holistically, recognizing that while it can be challenging, it is also a time of immense creativity and learning. When you encounter this word in a news article or a textbook, it is signaling a focus on the developmental bridge between childhood and maturity.

Many adolescents find that creative outlets like music or art help them process their emotions.

Educational Context: Middle and high school curricula are specifically designed to engage the developing cognitive abilities of adolescents, moving from concrete to abstract thinking.

Programs that mentor adolescents have shown a significant impact on high school graduation rates.

Health campaigns often focus on the nutritional needs of adolescents during their growth spurts.

Using the word adolescents correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its formal register. As a plural noun, it always takes a plural verb (e.g., "adolescents are," not "adolescents is"). It is most effective when you are describing a group of people within the 10-19 age range in a way that emphasizes their developmental stage rather than just their age. For example, instead of saying "The kids in the park," you might say "The adolescents gathered in the park," which implies a certain level of maturity and social interaction typical of that age group.

Grammar Tip: Subject-Verb Agreement: Always pair "adolescents" with plural verbs. Incorrect: "The adolescents has a meeting." Correct: "The adolescents have a meeting."

When adolescents feel supported by their community, they are more likely to succeed academically.

In academic writing, adolescents is often used as the subject of research findings. You will frequently see it paired with adjectives that categorize the group, such as "troubled adolescents," "gifted adolescents," or "urban adolescents." This allows for precision in describing the population being studied. It is also common to see the word used in the possessive form, "adolescents'," though this is rarer than the singular possessive "adolescent's." When referring to the group as a whole, the plural possessive is used: "The adolescents' perspectives were diverse."

Common Adjective Pairings: Commonly paired with: healthy, struggling, older, younger, male, female, diverse, and modern.

Modern adolescents must navigate the complexities of social media from a very young age.

Another way to use the word is in prepositional phrases, such as "among adolescents" or "for adolescents." For instance, "Anxiety is increasing among adolescents worldwide." This structure is very common in news reporting and scientific journals. It helps to define the scope of a problem or a trend. You can also use it to contrast with other age groups: "While children need constant supervision, adolescents require a balance of guidance and independence." This highlights the transitional nature of the group.

The library offers a variety of workshops specifically designed for adolescents interested in coding.

Using with Verbs of Perception: Verbs like "perceive," "experience," and "identify" are often used with adolescents to describe their internal states.

Many adolescents experience a heightened sense of self-consciousness during social interactions.

Educators must understand how adolescents process information to teach them effectively.

You are most likely to hear the word adolescents in environments that focus on human development, health, and policy. In a doctor's office or a hospital, a pediatrician might talk about the specific health risks facing adolescents, such as sports injuries or mental health concerns. Medical professionals use this term because it is the standard clinical descriptor for patients who are no longer children but not yet adults. It covers a broader range than "pediatric," which often implies younger children, and "adult medicine."

Medical and Clinical Settings: Doctors use the term to discuss developmental milestones, vaccinations, and behavioral health specific to the 10-19 age group.

The clinic provides specialized counseling services for adolescents struggling with eating disorders.

In the world of education and school administration, you will hear the word used during board meetings, teacher training sessions, and parent-teacher conferences. Administrators might discuss "programs for adolescents" or "the social-emotional needs of our adolescents." Here, the word signals a professional commitment to understanding the unique challenges of the middle and high school years. It moves the conversation away from casual labels and toward a more evidence-based approach to teaching and supporting students.

Media and News Reports: News anchors use "adolescents" when reporting on statistics, such as employment rates or health trends among young people.

Recent data shows that adolescents are spending more time on digital devices than ever before.

Public policy and legal discussions are another common arena for this word. When lawmakers debate the age of criminal responsibility or the legality of certain products for young people, they often refer to the impact on adolescents. This usage emphasizes the vulnerability and the ongoing development of the group, suggesting that they require different legal protections than fully grown adults. Similarly, non-profit organizations and NGOs use the term in their mission statements and grant applications to define the population they serve, often focusing on "empowering adolescents" or "protecting the rights of adolescents."

The government is launching a new initiative to reduce tobacco use among adolescents.

Psychological Research: Psychologists use the term to categorize research subjects when studying identity formation and peer influence.

Studies on adolescents suggest that peer approval is a powerful motivator for behavior.

The community center is hosting a forum to discuss the challenges facing adolescents in the digital age.

One of the most frequent errors involving the word adolescents is confusing it with its homophone, "adolescence." While they sound very similar, they function differently in a sentence. Adolescents (ending in -ts) is a plural noun referring to the people themselves. "Adolescence" (ending in -ce) is an abstract noun referring to the period of time or the state of being an adolescent. For example, you would say, "The adolescents are growing up," but "Adolescence is a time of change." Mixing these up is a common mistake even for native speakers in written work.

Confusing Noun Types: Adolescents = People (Plural). Adolescence = Time period (Singular/Abstract).

Incorrect: During adolescents, many changes occur. Correct: During adolescence, many changes occur.

Another common mistake is the spelling. The word contains a silent 'c' after the 's' (adoles-c-ents). Many learners forget this 'c' and spell it as "adolesents." Additionally, some people struggle with the placement of the 'e' and 'o'. Remembering the Latin root adolescere can help, but for most, it simply requires practice. It's also worth noting that while "teenagers" and adolescents are often used interchangeably, using "adolescents" to describe a group of 25-year-olds would be incorrect, as they have already reached adulthood.

Overuse in Informal Settings: Using "adolescents" in a casual text message or a chat with friends can sound overly formal or even robotic. Stick to "teens" or "kids" in those contexts.

Incorrect: Hey, are those adolescents coming to the party? Correct: Hey, are those teens coming to the party?

A third mistake is using the singular "adolescent" when the plural adolescents is required. Because the word refers to a group, it is much more common in the plural. If you are talking about a general trend, you must use the plural. For example, "Adolescents need sleep" is a general statement. "The adolescent needs sleep" refers to one specific person you have already mentioned. Using the singular to mean the whole group is a grammatical error known as a number mismatch.

Incorrect: Adolescent are often misunderstood. Correct: Adolescents are often misunderstood.

Misunderstanding the Age Range: Don't use "adolescents" for toddlers or for people in their late 20s. It is strictly for the transition from childhood to adulthood.

The research focused on adolescents between the ages of 12 and 16.

Many adolescents struggle with the transition to high school.

When choosing the right word to describe young people, it is helpful to compare adolescents with its synonyms. The most common alternative is "teenagers." While they overlap, "teenagers" is strictly defined by age (13-19), whereas adolescents is defined by development and can start as early as 10. "Teenagers" is also much more informal and is the word you would use in a movie title or a casual conversation. Adolescents is the word you would use in a research paper or a medical report.

Adolescents vs. Teenagers: Adolescents: Formal, developmental, 10-19. Teenagers: Informal, age-based, 13-19.

While adolescents is used in the study, the media often refers to them as teenagers.

Another similar term is "youth." This is a much broader word that can refer to anyone from a small child to a young adult in their early 20s. It is often used in a positive, collective sense, such as "the youth of today." In contrast, adolescents is more specific and often carries a more clinical or serious tone. "Juveniles" is another alternative, but it is almost exclusively used in a legal or negative context, such as "juvenile delinquency." You would rarely use "juveniles" to describe a group of students in a positive learning environment.

Adolescents vs. Juveniles: Adolescents: Neutral/Positive, developmental focus. Juveniles: Legal focus, often associated with crime or courts.

The program aims to support adolescents before they become involved in the juvenile justice system.

"Minors" is a purely legal term for anyone under the age of 18. It doesn't describe how they act or how they are developing; it only describes their legal status. You might see a sign that says "No minors allowed," but you would never see a sign that says "No adolescents allowed." Finally, "young adults" is a term often used for people in their late teens and early 20s. It is a more respectful and empowering term than "adolescents" and is very common in the publishing industry (YA books). When you want to emphasize that someone is almost an adult, "young adult" is a great choice.

The transition from adolescents to young adults involves taking on more financial responsibility.

Adolescents vs. Minors: Adolescents: Describes a stage of life. Minors: Describes a legal status (under 18).

Laws protecting adolescents often treat them as minors until they reach the age of eighteen.

Many adolescents prefer to be called young adults as they seek more independence.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root of 'adolescent' is the same as the root for 'adult'. An 'adult' (adultus) is someone who *has grown*, while an 'adolescent' is someone who *is growing*.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌæd.əˈles.ənts/

US /ˌæd.əlˈes.ənts/

ad-o-LES-cents

Rhymes With

presents intents consents events segments elements compliments documents

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Forgetting the 's' at the end when referring to a group.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'adolescence' (which ends in a soft 's' sound).
Mumbling the middle 'o' and 'e' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in textbooks and news but requires understanding of its formal tone.

Writing 4/5

Spelling (the silent 'c') and distinguishing it from 'adolescence' can be tricky.

Speaking 3/5

The 'ts' sound at the end can be difficult for some non-native speakers.

Listening 3/5

Easily confused with 'adolescence' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

child adult grow teenager people

Learn Next

adolescence development puberty maturity identity

Advanced

liminality neuroplasticity sociology pedagogy culpability

Grammar to Know

Plural Noun Agreement

Adolescents *are* (not is) exploring their identities.

Possessive Plural

The adolescents' (not adolescent's) project was a success.

Homophone Distinction

Adolescents (people) vs. Adolescence (time).

Adjective Placement

Gifted adolescents (adjective before noun).

Prepositional Usage

Programs *for* adolescents; anxiety *among* adolescents.

Examples by Level

The adolescents are in the classroom.

Los adolescentes están en el salón de clases.

Plural noun with plural verb 'are'.

Many adolescents like to play sports.

A muchos adolescentes les gusta practicar deportes.

Use 'many' with the plural noun 'adolescents'.

Are the adolescents happy today?

¿Están felices los adolescentes hoy?

Question form using 'are'.

The adolescents have big backpacks.

Los adolescentes tienen mochilas grandes.

Plural subject 'adolescents' takes 'have'.

I see five adolescents at the park.

Veo a cinco adolescentes en el parque.

Countable plural noun.

Adolescents are taller than children.

Los adolescentes son más altos que los niños.

Comparative sentence.

Do adolescents go to school?

¿Van los adolescentes a la escuela?

Present simple question.

The adolescents eat lunch at noon.

Los adolescentes almuerzan al mediodía.

Simple present tense.

Adolescents often spend time with their friends after school.

Los adolescentes suelen pasar tiempo con sus amigos después de la escuela.

Adverb of frequency 'often' used before the verb.

Most adolescents in this city go to high school.

La mayoría de los adolescentes de esta ciudad van a la escuela secundaria.

'Most' used to describe a majority of the group.

The doctor talked to the adolescents about health.

El médico habló con los adolescentes sobre la salud.

Past tense 'talked'.

Adolescents need to sleep at least eight hours a night.

Los adolescentes necesitan dormir al menos ocho horas por noche.

Modal-like verb 'need to'.

Are there many programs for adolescents in your town?

¿Hay muchos programas para adolescentes en tu ciudad?

'There are' in question form.

Some adolescents work part-time jobs during the summer.

Algunos adolescentes tienen trabajos a tiempo parcial durante el verano.

Compound noun 'part-time jobs'.

Adolescents are learning how to be independent.

Los adolescentes están aprendiendo a ser independientes.

Present continuous tense.

The library has a special section for adolescents.

La biblioteca tiene una sección especial para adolescentes.

Prepositional phrase 'for adolescents'.

Adolescents are often influenced by the opinions of their peers.

Los adolescentes suelen dejarse influir por las opiniones de sus compañeros.

Passive voice 'are influenced'.

The transition to adulthood can be challenging for many adolescents.

La transición a la edad adulta puede ser un reto para muchos adolescentes.

Modal verb 'can' expressing possibility.

Educators should encourage adolescents to think critically.

Los educadores deben animar a los adolescentes a pensar de forma crítica.

Verb 'encourage' followed by object and infinitive.

Research shows that adolescents require a balanced diet for growth.

Las investigaciones demuestran que los adolescentes necesitan una dieta equilibrada para crecer.

Reporting verb 'shows that'.

Adolescents who participate in sports often have higher self-esteem.

Los adolescentes que participan en deportes suelen tener una mayor autoestima.

Relative clause 'who participate in sports'.

It is important for parents to communicate openly with their adolescents.

Es importante que los padres se comuniquen abiertamente con sus adolescentes.

Infinitive phrase as the subject of the sentence.

Many adolescents feel a strong need to belong to a social group.

Muchos adolescentes sienten una fuerte necesidad de pertenecer a un grupo social.

Noun phrase 'a strong need to belong'.

The survey asked adolescents about their future career goals.

La encuesta preguntó a los adolescentes sobre sus objetivos profesionales futuros.

Direct object 'adolescents'.

The study highlights the psychological development of adolescents in urban areas.

El estudio destaca el desarrollo psicológico de los adolescentes en las zonas urbanas.

Transitive verb 'highlights' with a complex object.

Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the effects of social media algorithms.

Los adolescentes son especialmente susceptibles a los efectos de los algoritmos de las redes sociales.

Adjective 'susceptible' followed by the preposition 'to'.

Programs aimed at adolescents should focus on building resilience.

Los programas dirigidos a los adolescentes deben centrarse en fomentar la resiliencia.

Past participle phrase 'aimed at adolescents' acting as an adjective.

Adolescents' cognitive abilities undergo significant changes during this period.

Las capacidades cognitivas de los adolescentes experimentan cambios significativos durante este periodo.

Plural possessive 'adolescents''.

The government is implementing policies to protect adolescents from online harm.

El gobierno está aplicando políticas para proteger a los adolescentes de los daños en línea.

Present continuous 'is implementing'.

Many adolescents struggle to balance academic pressure with social lives.

Muchos adolescentes luchan por equilibrar la presión académica con la vida social.

Infinitive of purpose 'to balance'.

Adolescents often experiment with different identities as they mature.

Los adolescentes suelen experimentar con diferentes identidades a medida que maduran.

Conjunction 'as' meaning 'while' or 'because'.

The prevalence of anxiety among adolescents has become a major public health concern.

La prevalencia de la ansiedad entre los adolescentes se ha convertido en una de las principales preocupaciones de salud pública.

Present perfect 'has become'.

The neuroplasticity of adolescents allows for rapid learning but also increases vulnerability to risk.

La neuroplasticidad de los adolescentes permite un aprendizaje rápido, pero también aumenta la vulnerabilidad al riesgo.

Abstract nouns 'neuroplasticity' and 'vulnerability'.

Societal structures often fail to accommodate the unique developmental needs of adolescents.

Las estructuras sociales a menudo no logran adaptarse a las necesidades de desarrollo únicas de los adolescentes.

Negative verb 'fail to accommodate'.

Adolescents' engagement with political activism has surged in recent years.

El compromiso de los adolescentes con el activismo político ha aumentado en los últimos años.

Possessive noun phrase as the subject.

The research delineates the differences between adolescents from various socio-economic backgrounds.

La investigación delimita las diferencias entre los adolescentes de diversos orígenes socioeconómicos.

Precise verb 'delineates'.

Adolescents are often at the forefront of cultural and technological shifts.

Los adolescentes suelen estar a la vanguardia de los cambios culturales y tecnológicos.

Idiomatic expression 'at the forefront of'.

The legal system must grapple with the diminished culpability of adolescents.

El sistema legal debe enfrentarse a la culpabilidad disminuida de los adolescentes.

Phrasal verb 'grapple with'.

Adolescents' identity formation is a non-linear process influenced by myriad factors.

La formación de la identidad de los adolescentes es un proceso no lineal influido por innumerables factores.

Adjective 'non-linear' and 'myriad'.

We must interrogate the stereotypes that often marginalize adolescents in public discourse.

Debemos interrogar los estereotipos que a menudo marginan a los adolescentes en el discurso público.

Strong verb 'interrogate' used metaphorically.

The liminal status of adolescents necessitates a nuanced approach to pedagogical intervention.

El estatus liminal de los adolescentes exige un enfoque matizado de la intervención pedagógica.

Formal vocabulary like 'liminal', 'necessitates', and 'pedagogical'.

Adolescents' susceptibility to peer contagion is a well-documented phenomenon in social psychology.

La susceptibilidad de los adolescentes al contagio de los compañeros es un fenómeno bien documentado en la psicología social.

Scientific term 'peer contagion'.

The longitudinal study tracks the trajectory of adolescents as they transition into the workforce.

El estudio longitudinal sigue la trayectoria de los adolescentes en su transición al mundo laboral.

Academic term 'longitudinal study'.

Adolescents' agency is often constrained by paternalistic legal frameworks.

La agencia de los adolescentes se ve a menudo limitada por marcos legales paternalistas.

Passive voice with complex abstract nouns.

The discourse surrounding adolescents frequently oscillates between romanticization and demonization.

El discurso en torno a los adolescentes oscila con frecuencia entre la romantización y la demonización.

Sophisticated verb 'oscillates'.

Adolescents exhibit a remarkable capacity for cognitive flexibility and divergent thinking.

Los adolescentes muestran una notable capacidad de flexibilidad cognitiva y pensamiento divergente.

Technical terms 'cognitive flexibility' and 'divergent thinking'.

The idiosyncratic behaviors of adolescents can be understood as adaptive responses to environmental stressors.

Los comportamientos idiosincrásicos de los adolescentes pueden entenderse como respuestas adaptativas a los estresores ambientales.

Adjective 'idiosyncratic' and noun 'stressors'.

Adolescents' digital footprints are increasingly scrutinized by higher education institutions.

La huella digital de los adolescentes es cada vez más analizada por las instituciones de enseñanza superior.

Metaphorical term 'digital footprints'.

Common Collocations

troubled adolescents

healthy adolescents

urban adolescents

gifted adolescents

older adolescents

younger adolescents

male adolescents

female adolescents

modern adolescents

struggling adolescents

Common Phrases

among adolescents

— Occurring within the group of young people.

Depression is a growing concern among adolescents.

for adolescents

— Intended for or directed toward young people.

The workshop was specifically designed for adolescents.

needs of adolescents

— The specific requirements for the healthy development of young people.

Teachers must be aware of the emotional needs of adolescents.

behavior of adolescents

— The way young people act or conduct themselves.

The study analyzed the risk-taking behavior of adolescents.

lives of adolescents

— The daily experiences and circumstances of young people.

Social media plays a huge role in the lives of adolescents.

health of adolescents

— The physical and mental well-being of young people.

The report focused on the reproductive health of adolescents.

rights of adolescents

— The legal and moral entitlements of young people.

Advocates work to protect the rights of adolescents in the justice system.

development of adolescents

— The process of growth and change in young people.

Sleep is crucial for the brain development of adolescents.

perspectives of adolescents

— The viewpoints or opinions held by young people.

The documentary captured the diverse perspectives of adolescents.

challenges facing adolescents

— The difficulties or obstacles that young people encounter.

Peer pressure is one of the major challenges facing adolescents.

Often Confused With

adolescents vs adolescence

Adolescence is the time period; adolescents are the people.

adolescents vs teenagers

Teenagers are specifically 13-19; adolescents can be 10-19.

adolescents vs juveniles

Juveniles is usually a legal term for those who have committed a crime.

Idioms & Expressions

"coming of age"

— The transition from childhood to adulthood, often marked by a ceremony or significant event.

The movie is a classic coming of age story about a group of adolescents.

literary/general

"growing pains"

— Difficulties experienced in the early stages of an enterprise or during the transition to adulthood.

The mood swings of adolescents are often dismissed as mere growing pains.

informal/metaphorical

"awkward stage"

— A period during adolescence when a person feels self-conscious or physically uncoordinated.

Many adolescents go through an awkward stage before they find their confidence.

informal

"find one's feet"

— To become confident and comfortable in a new situation, common for adolescents entering adulthood.

It takes time for adolescents to find their feet in the adult world.

informal

"sow one's wild oats"

— To behave in a youthful, adventurous, or irresponsible way before settling down.

Some people believe adolescents should be allowed to sow their wild oats.

informal/dated

"wet behind the ears"

— Inexperienced or immature, often used to describe younger adolescents.

The new recruits were still wet behind the ears, barely more than adolescents.

informal

"young at heart"

— Having the spirit or energy of a young person, even if one is an adult.

He may be sixty, but he's still as energetic as the adolescents he teaches.

informal

"in the prime of life"

— The period of most health, strength, and activity, which begins in late adolescence.

These adolescents are in the prime of their lives and full of potential.

formal

"cut the apron strings"

— To become independent from one's parents, a key goal for adolescents.

It can be hard for parents to let their adolescents cut the apron strings.

informal

"act one's age"

— To behave in a way that is appropriate for one's age, often said to adolescents.

The teacher told the rowdy adolescents to start acting their age.

informal

Easily Confused

adolescents vs adolescence

They sound almost identical in fast speech.

Adolescence is a noun referring to the stage of life. Adolescents is a plural noun referring to the people in that stage.

He is in his adolescence. Those adolescents are students.

adolescents vs youth

Both refer to young people.

Youth is a broader term and can be used as a collective noun. Adolescents is more specific to the 10-19 age range.

The youth of the nation. The adolescents in the study.

adolescents vs minor

Both refer to people who are not yet adults.

Minor is a legal term for anyone under 18. Adolescent describes a developmental stage.

He is a minor and cannot vote. Adolescents are going through puberty.

adolescents vs teenager

They cover a similar age range.

Teenager is informal and strictly 13-19. Adolescent is formal and covers 10-19.

The teenager is 14. The adolescents were part of the clinical trial.

adolescents vs pubescent

Both relate to the changes of growing up.

Pubescent refers specifically to the physical changes of puberty. Adolescent is a broader term for the whole stage of life.

The pubescent boy's voice changed. Adolescents often seek more independence.

Sentence Patterns

The [adolescents] are [adjective].

The adolescents are tall.

[Adolescents] like to [verb].

Adolescents like to play games.

Many [adolescents] face [noun].

Many adolescents face peer pressure.

The study of [adolescents] shows [clause].

The study of adolescents shows they need more sleep.

[Adolescents'] [noun] is influenced by [noun].

Adolescents' behavior is influenced by social media.

The [adjective] nature of [adolescents] [verb].

The liminal nature of adolescents necessitates support.

Programs for [adolescents] are [adjective].

Programs for adolescents are very helpful.

Among [adolescents], [noun] is [adjective].

Among adolescents, creativity is high.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic, medical, and news contexts; less common in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'adolescents' for the time period. → Using 'adolescence'.
Adolescents refers to the people; adolescence refers to the stage of life.
Spelling it as 'adolesents'. → Spelling it as 'adolescents'.
The word requires a 'c' after the 's', following its Latin origin.
Using a singular verb with 'adolescents'. → Using a plural verb.
Since 'adolescents' is plural, it must be followed by a plural verb like 'are'.
Using 'adolescents' to describe toddlers. → Using 'children' or 'toddlers'.
Adolescents specifically refers to the transition from childhood to adulthood, usually starting at age 10.
Confusing 'adolescents' with 'juveniles' in a positive context. → Using 'adolescents' or 'students'.
Juveniles often has a negative or legal connotation, whereas adolescents is more neutral or developmental.

Tips

Plural Agreement

Always remember that 'adolescents' is plural. Use 'they', 'their', and plural verbs like 'are' or 'have' when referring to them.

The Silent C

Don't forget the 'c' after the 's'. It's 'adolescents', not 'adolesents'. Think of the word 'science' to help you remember the 'sc' combination.

Formal Contexts

Use this word in your IELTS or TOEFL essays to show a higher level of vocabulary. It sounds much more professional than 'kids' or 'teens'.

People vs. Period

Keep 'adolescents' (the people) and 'adolescence' (the time) separate. You can't live 'in adolescents', but you can live 'in adolescence'.

The 'TS' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 't' and 's' at the end clearly. This helps distinguish it from the singular 'adolescent' or the abstract 'adolescence'.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'adolescents' for medical or psychological topics, 'teenagers' for general social topics, and 'youth' for inspirational or broad topics.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'adolescents' in one sentence, try using 'young people' or 'this age group' in the next to keep your writing interesting.

Global Term

This is a globally recognized term in health and education. Using it will make your communication clear to professionals around the world.

Add-A-Lesson

Remember: Adolescents are at an age where they 'Add-A-Lesson' every day. This helps with both the meaning and the spelling.

Adjective Use

Pair 'adolescents' with descriptive adjectives like 'motivated' or 'curious' to give more detail to your descriptions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Add-a-lesson'. Adolescents are at an age where they 'add a lesson' every day as they grow into adults.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge connecting a small playground (childhood) to a large office building (adulthood). The people walking across the bridge are the adolescents.

Word Web

Puberty Identity High School Peer Pressure Independence Brain Development Transition Growth

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'adolescents' to describe a group of people in a news report, a medical study, and a movie review.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Latin 'adolescentem', which is the present participle of 'adolescere'. This Latin verb means 'to grow up' or 'to come to maturity'. It is a combination of 'ad-' (to) and 'alescere' (to grow).

Original meaning: A person who is in the process of growing up.

Indo-European (Latin branch)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use the term in a way that sounds patronizing or dismissive of young people's feelings.

In English-speaking countries, the term is often associated with the 'high school years' and the 'rebellious' phase of life.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (classic novel about an adolescent). The Breakfast Club (famous movie about different types of adolescents). G. Stanley Hall's 1904 book 'Adolescence' which defined the field.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

adolescent learning
middle school adolescents
high school adolescents
educational needs of adolescents

Medicine

adolescent health
pediatric and adolescent medicine
adolescent development
vaccinations for adolescents

Psychology

adolescent behavior
adolescent psychology
identity in adolescents
peer influence on adolescents

Law

juvenile adolescents
rights of adolescents
legal protection for adolescents
adolescents in court

Social Media

adolescents online
digital lives of adolescents
adolescents and social media
cyberbullying among adolescents

Conversation Starters

"Do you think adolescents today have more stress than in the past?"

"What are some of the biggest challenges facing adolescents in your country?"

"How can schools better support the emotional needs of adolescents?"

"Should adolescents be given more independence at an earlier age?"

"What kind of activities are most popular among adolescents in your city?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on your time as an adolescent. What was the most significant change you experienced?

Write about a program you would design to help adolescents in your community.

Compare the lives of adolescents today with the lives of adolescents fifty years ago.

Discuss the role of social media in the identity formation of modern adolescents.

Explain why you think the term 'adolescents' is used instead of 'teenagers' in scientific reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While often used interchangeably, 'adolescents' is a more formal and clinical term. It covers the age range of 10 to 19, whereas 'teenagers' specifically refers to those aged 13 to 19. 'Adolescents' focuses on the developmental stage, while 'teenagers' focuses on the age.

It is plural. The singular form is 'adolescent'. For example, 'One adolescent was present' versus 'Many adolescents were present'.

The plural is spelled 'adolescents'. Be careful not to confuse it with 'adolescence', which is the name of the time period.

According to the World Health Organization, adolescents are individuals between the ages of 10 and 19. This includes the period of puberty and the transition to adulthood.

Use 'adolescents' in formal writing, such as school reports, scientific papers, or professional emails. Use 'teens' or 'teenagers' in casual conversation or informal writing.

It is a neutral, descriptive word. However, it is often used in discussions about challenges, so it can sometimes appear in serious or negative contexts, but the word itself is not negative.

No, by definition, adolescents are people who have not yet reached full adulthood. Once they reach adulthood (usually around age 20), they are no longer considered adolescents.

Common adjectives include 'troubled', 'gifted', 'urban', 'healthy', 'struggling', and 'modern'. These help to specify which group of adolescents is being discussed.

It is pronounced ad-o-LES-cents. The stress is on the third syllable, and the ending sounds like 'ents'.

Studying adolescents is crucial because it is a time of rapid brain development and identity formation. Understanding this group helps in creating better educational systems and health policies.