ageism

noun

age·​ism ˈā-(ˌ)ji-zəm How to pronounce ageism (audio)
variants or less commonly
: prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially the elderly
ageist adjective
or less commonly agist

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At a time when ageism in Hollywood remains pervasive, Moore’s win would send a powerful message about the relevance and resilience of actresses over 60. Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025 According to the new McKinsey/Lean In Women in the Workplace report, early-career women—meaning those who are 30 and younger—experience ageism in the workplace at higher levels than their more mature counterparts. Maggie McGrath, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 According to the model — who just recently partnered with Estée Lauder as a brand ambassador to advocate against ageism — her life experiences better prepared her to experience this new love to the fullest. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 One of the last barriers to ageism in Illinois — driver’s license tests for senior citizens — may be coming down. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ageism 

Word History

Etymology

age entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ageism was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near ageism

Cite this Entry

“Ageism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ageism. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ageism

noun
age·​ism ˈā-(ˌ)jiz-əm How to pronounce ageism (audio)
: prejudice or discrimination against people of a particular age and especially against the elderly
ageist
-jist
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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