late bloomer

NOUN

person slow to develop talent

Synonyms

WEAK

naïve person sleeper slowpoke up-and-comer

Antonyms

WEAK

child prodigy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A 64-year-old late bloomer who arrived in Bloomington with a cocky press conference and group of James Madison transfers, Cignetti delivered swagger, talent and a gift for navigating college football’s turbulent, transfer-happy economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

Merrill Kelly, 37, SP, 2.9, 15.8: A late bloomer who became a stalwart starter for the Diamondbacks for years, Kelly might be restricted to a two-year deal because of his age.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Yet the 29-year-old appears to be a relative late bloomer rather than someone entering the twilight of his career.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Miner said he has focused on being patient and letting the process play out on being a late bloomer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2025

I’m always surprised when people say I was a late bloomer, because gymnastics has been my life since I was six years old.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles