The Brief: Adulting refers to the act of being an adult.

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The term “adulting” is typically used by young adults who are living on their own for the first time and getting used to doing things like paying taxes, meal prepping, commuting, and generally being responsible for oneself. Adulting is not just for Millennials and Gen Z-ers. The word can also be used by older and more experienced adults because being an adult is a hard and ongoing process.

Sometimes, the hashtag #adulting is added to social media posts about the struggles of being a responsible grown-up. Often, these posts serve as a way for those who are new to adulthood to vent about its trials and tribulations, or to humble brag about completing simple adult tasks.