fullfledged

Fullfledged, typically written as full-fledged or fully fledged, is an adjective meaning completely developed, established, or mature. It is used to describe people, organizations, systems, or concepts that have reached their final, complete form, such as a full-fledged member, a full-fledged democracy, or a fully fledged plan.

The term evokes the image of a bird that has grown its feathers and is ready to fly, extending the literal sense of being fully feathered to imply maturity and readiness. It carries nuance of wholeness and competence, rather than partial or rudimentary development.

Variants and usage: The standard spellings are full-fledged and fully fledged. Full-fledged is common in American English and often appears as a compound adjective before a noun (a full-fledged airline). Fully fledged is widely used in British English and other varieties, particularly when the emphasis is on degree or when the phrase follows a linking verb (The group is fully fledged). Older or historical texts may show other forms such as full fledged or non-hyphenated variants, but these are now less common in edited writing. Style guides differ on hyphenation and placement; when in doubt, follow the conventions of the relevant regional variant or publication-specific guidelines.