Callow

KAL-oh

Definition

(adjective) Inexperienced and immature.

Example

His callow remarks during the meeting made it clear he was new to the job.

Fun Fact

Callow originally meant “bare” or “unfledged”—as in a bird that hasn’t grown feathers. It still carries that imagery today, but metaphorically: someone who hasn’t “grown in” yet emotionally or intellectually. You’ll see it often in book reviews or film critiques, especially when describing a character who has more audacity than wisdom.

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