underage
UK: ˌʌndərˈeɪdʒ | US: ˌʌndərˈeɪdʒ
adj. below the legal or required age limit
n. a person who is below the legal age limit
The word "underage" combines "under" (from Old English under, meaning "beneath" or "below") and "age" (from Old French aage, ultimately from Latin aetaticum, meaning "time of life"). It emerged in the early 17th century to describe someone or something below a specified age threshold, particularly in legal contexts. The morphemes retain their original meanings, making the compound logically transparent.
The club strictly prohibits underage drinking.
She was denied entry because she was underage.
Underage workers require parental consent for employment.
The film is rated R to restrict underage viewers.
He faced penalties for selling alcohol to underage customers.