underaged

Underaged is an adjective used to describe a person who is younger than the legal age of adulthood or otherwise not legally permitted to engage in a certain activity. In standard English, the more common form is underage; underaged is considered nonstandard or regional in many dictionaries and usage guides.

Legal and regulatory frameworks determine what counts as underage, and these thresholds vary by jurisdiction and context. The age of majority is commonly 18 in many countries, but some places set it at 19, 21, or other ages. Distinct thresholds apply to activities such as voting, drinking, driving, contracting, and consenting to medical treatment. Because these ages differ by activity, a person may be underage for one right or duty while legally eligible for another.

Minors, or those who are under the age of majority, are protected by laws aimed at safeguarding health, safety, and welfare. This includes child labor protections, education requirements, and prohibitions on exploitation or abuse. In areas such as sexual consent and the production or distribution of explicit material, strict limits exist to prevent harm to persons considered too young to provide informed consent. Violations can carry severe legal penalties and civil consequences.

Language usage notes that underage is typically preferred over underaged in formal writing. Related terms include minor and child, and policy topics such as age of majority, age of consent, and child protection are commonly connected to discussions of underage individuals.