youth
[C/U] Both
pl: youths
This term carries a strong association with vigor, idealism, and the transition toward maturity. It often evokes a sense of untapped potential or a time of discovery and rebellion, distinguishing it from the innocent simplicity of childhood. In social or political contexts, the word frequently shifts from an individual description to a collective one. When used to describe a demographic, it can sound slightly formal or sociological, often appearing in discussions about policy, education, or social movements.
Countable when referring to individual young people, such as a group of youths causing trouble in the street. Uncountable when referring to the general state or time period of being young, such as the nostalgia felt for one's youth.