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

However, distinguishing genuine ageism from other barriers is essential for a fair assessment. —Tammy Homegardner, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

One potential culprit for the lack of focus on the issue of eldercare is America’s ageism, especially toward the older women who shoulder most of this labor. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2024

Emphasizing the negative also contributes to ageism, said Rowe, and a culture where there are few opportunities for older adults. —Olivia Goldhill, STAT, 22 Feb. 2024

At 67, Grier is defying the entertainment industry’s ageism by being busier than ever. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024

As the years go by, AARP’s efforts to combat ageism in Hollywood seem to increasingly prove that true. —Meg Grant, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2024

Still, ageism is on Reid’s mind; a lurking problem, with no clear solution. —Amanda Hoover, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2024

Not that gendered ageism is exclusive to my professional worlds, of course. —Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024

For older job applicants, ageism can lie a Zoom call away. —USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 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