ageism

noun

age·​ism ˈā-(ˌ)ji-zəm 

variants or less commonly agism

: prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly

ageist adjective

or less commonly agist

ˈā-jist 

Examples of ageism in a Sentence

He accused his former employer of ageism when he lost his job to a younger man.

Recent Examples on the Web

Your series takes a fearless approach to addressing taboo topics like ageism, consumerism and political correctness. —Caroline Tell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The film also tackles the issues of ageism and unrealistic beauty standards, as experienced by two generations of women: the aging Elisabeth and her younger version, the aspirational Sue (Margaret Qualley). —Robert Lang, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024

Unsurprisingly, this ageism is impacting the way workers show up to their jobs. —Byemma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2024

Then there’s the ageism faced by veterans in an industry that thrives on newness. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

age entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ageism

noun

age·​ism ˈā-(ˌ)jiz-əm 

: prejudice or discrimination against people of a particular age and especially against the elderly

ageist

-jist

adjective