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

Their negative stereotyped reputation seems to follow them like ageism follows older employees or sexism follows female employees. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Addressing Age Crosses All Divides Because workplace ageism is still so overlooked, most people don’t think of age as a criterion for diversity, equity and inclusion. —Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

So the question remains: Should companies address workplace ageism as part of their DEI strategies? —Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Combatting ageism and invisibility in the startup culture Startup spaces often glorify youth, leaving experienced women feeling invisible. —Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

age entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ageism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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