In the context of learning, maturation is often contrasted with learning itself. While learning is change resulting from experience, maturation is change resulting from a biological "clock." Educational psychologists emphasize that a child must reach a certain level of neurological maturation before they can master specific complex tasks, such as algebra or advanced social cooperation.

In non-biological contexts, maturation refers to the aging or processing of substances to reach a desired state.

Biological maturation refers to the process of an organism reaching its full functional state. This involves both genetic programming and environmental influences.