Which term describes someone who exhibits great immaturity and lack of judgment?

The term "sophomoric" specifically refers to someone who demonstrates a level of immaturity and a lack of sound judgment, often in the context of their thinking or decision-making processes. It comes from the term used to describe second-year college students, who traditionally are perceived as having outgrown some of the naivety of freshmen but still lacking the maturity and wisdom of upperclassmen. In this sense, "sophomoric" captures a blend of arrogance and childishness, suggesting that the individual may possess some knowledge but lacks the experience or wisdom to apply it appropriately.

While "juvenile," "childish," and "naive" also convey elements of immaturity, they do not encapsulate the specific blend of overconfident but misguided judgment that "sophomoric" emphasizes. "Juvenile" refers more broadly to youthful offenders or behavior typical of young people, while "childish" suggests behaviors typical of children without the same nuance of misguided self-assurance. "Naive" indicates a lack of experience or sophistication, but it does not necessarily carry the implication of immature behavior or poor judgment. Thus, "sophomoric" is the most precise term when describing someone who combines immaturity with a lack