late bloomer
Meaning
A person who develops skills, success, or maturity later than most others.
Origin
From the literal idea of a plant or flower that blooms later in the season; by the late 1800s–early 1900s it was applied to people who mature or succeed later than peers.
Notes
Often positive or reassuring: someone’s potential appears later, not that they lack talent. Used about careers, academics, sports, or personal maturity.
Examples
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He was a late bloomer who didn’t start writing seriously until his thirties.
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Don’t worry if you feel behind—lots of people are late bloomers.
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The team’s new striker is a late bloomer, but he’s scoring at an incredible rate now.
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She was a late bloomer in high school, yet she ended up at a top university.
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As a musician, I was a late bloomer; I only picked up the guitar after college.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically a countable noun: “a late bloomer.” Can be used predicatively: “She’s a late bloomer.” More common for people than things.
Synonyms
- late developer
- late starter
- slow burner
Antonyms
- early bloomer
- early developer