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.
Managing career transitions is an especially critical skill for women, who often face barriers related to gender bias, ageism and inflexible work schedules. Dr. Michelle Penelope King, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 In addition to exposing employers to legal risk, ageism limits their ability to maintain and grow their workforce, which is especially damaging in a competitive talent market. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 Creating awareness that leads to change requires a basic understanding of bias and stereotypes to combat workplace ageism. Sheila Callaham, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Older workers may feel some subtle ageism discrimination. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 4 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ageism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ageism. Accessed 6 May. 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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