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
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
For younger folks, having friends outside their generation may help reduce both internal and external ageism, and address feelings of isolation and loneliness.
—
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024
The most socially condoned form of prejudice, ageism refers to the discrimination directed toward older individuals, perpetuated by negative and often inaccurate stereotypes.
—Andrew B. Frank, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2024
Attorney Jim Walden, who is representing the plaintiffs in the ageism suit, said Kavanagh’s departure won’t stop them from keeping the pressure on.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 13 July 2024
People who experienced everyday ageism also tended to have poorer physical and mental health relative to those who didn’t have these experiences.
—Jerel Ezell, Scientific American, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ageism 
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024
The most socially condoned form of prejudice, ageism refers to the discrimination directed toward older individuals, perpetuated by negative and often inaccurate stereotypes.
—Andrew B. Frank, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2024
Attorney Jim Walden, who is representing the plaintiffs in the ageism suit, said Kavanagh’s departure won’t stop them from keeping the pressure on.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 13 July 2024
People who experienced everyday ageism also tended to have poorer physical and mental health relative to those who didn’t have these experiences.
—Jerel Ezell, Scientific American, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ageism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ageism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ageism
Cite this Entry
“Ageism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ageism. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ageism
noun
age·ism
ˈā-(ˌ)jiz-əm
: prejudice or discrimination against people of a particular age and especially against the elderly
ageist
adjective
-jist
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