puerileness

Puerileness refers to a state or quality of being childish or immature. It describes behavior, attitudes, or speech that are characteristic of a child, rather than an adult. This can manifest in various ways, such as a lack of seriousness, an inability to take responsibility, excessive emotional reactions, or a reliance on simplistic thinking.

The term is often used in a negative or critical context, implying a deficiency in maturity or judgment. It suggests a person is not acting in accordance with their age or expected level of development. For example, someone might be described as exhibiting puerileness if they engage in petty arguments, display tantrums, or avoid dealing with difficult situations in a mature manner.

While often viewed negatively, it's important to distinguish puerileness from genuine childlike wonder or innocent playfulness, which can be positive attributes. Puerileness specifically denotes an inappropriate or underdeveloped level of maturity in situations where such maturity is expected or necessary. It is the opposite of adult-like comportment and a failure to adapt behavior to the demands of adult life.