ageism

noun

age·​ism ˈā-(ˌ)ji-zəm 

variants or less commonly agism

: prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group and especially older adults

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

According to the World Health Organization, ageism is the most widespread — and socially accepted — form of prejudice today. —Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Ware sat down with PEOPLE to discuss the making of Superbloom, making sure Burrows was alright with the sensual nature of its accompanying music videos, how Table Manners has impacted her career and her thoughts on the state of ageism in the music industry. —Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

Data centers, ageism, National Mall bike lanes, Social Security and more, in readers eyes. —Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2026

Like society itself, Hollywood has historically had a persistent issue with ageism. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

age entry 1 + -ism (as in racism)

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ageism

• ism
• pisum
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism

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