overmature
Beyond optimal ripeness
Overmature describes something that has passed its optimal stage of development or ripeness.
Fruit that is overmature has gone soft or mealy.
Timber that is overmature has begun to decay on the tree.
The term appears in forestry, agriculture, and winemaking, where precise timing of harvest matters: The overmature grapes produced a flabby wine.
Past optimal freshness
- mushySoft or saccharine
- softeningBecoming less firm
- browningFood darkening when cooked
- fermentingBiochemical decomposition by microbes
bruised · mealy · pungent · splotchy · discoloring · wrinkled · overgrown · swollen
Advanced in age
- agingGrowing older over time
- geriatricRelating to elderly care
- senescentBecoming old
- decliningDecreasing in strength
withered · faded · frail · decrepit · enfeebled · dotage · graying · wizened
Decomposed or corrupt
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- decayedBroken down organically
- moldyCovered in fungal growth
- putridDecomposed and foul-smelling
tainted · sour · fermented · rank · contaminated · foul · mildewed · decomposing
No longer in use
- antiquatedOld and outdated
- outmodedNo longer in fashion
- obsoleteNo longer in use
- datedOld-fashioned or courted
stale · worn-out · time-worn · outworn · passe · old-hat · behind-the-times · superseded
overripe
Past optimal freshness
fermenting · bruised · mealy · pungent · splotchy · discoloring · wrinkled · overgrown · swollen · engorged
elderly
Advanced in age
declining · withered · faded · frail · decrepit · enfeebled · dotage · graying · wizened · superannuated
rotten
Decomposed or corrupt
putrid · tainted · sour · fermented · rank · contaminated · foul · mildewed · decomposing · inedible
outdated
No longer in use
- antiquatedOld and outdated
- outmodedNo longer in fashion
- obsoleteNo longer in use
dated · stale · worn-out · time-worn · outworn · passe · old-hat · behind-the-times · superseded · defunct
overmatureunripe
Not ready for harvest
immature · underripe · green · underdeveloped · unripened
overmaturepremature
Occurring before expected
underage · precocious · early · untimely · half-grown
mature, immature, maturity, premature, maturing, immaturity, maturation, matures, prematurely