Generation X

noun

: the generation of people born in the 1960s and 1970s
If you're a member of Generation X, chances are you may be feeling that "Reality Bites" when it comes to your retirement planning.Lorie Konish
The younger portion of the network's 12-to-34-year-old target audience … exhibited different tastes and sensibilities from the post-baby boom Generation X.Meg James
compare generation y, generation z
Generation Xer noun

Examples of Generation X in a Sentence

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.
Generation X was the first to cope without ubiquitous workplace pensions, relying instead on a new savings tool called the 401(k). Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 In fact, at age 45, Generation X households below the 60th percentile often have savings levels no higher than their Boomer counterparts at the same age. Dan Doonan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Boxed cereal, once the king of American breakfast tables and a defining fixture of Generation X childhoods, is rapidly losing appeal, especially among Gen Z, who seem to be trading their cereal spoons for smoothies, eggs, and mental clarity. Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Aug. 2025 Burke joined with Matlock again in 2011, for the International Swingers with one-time Generation X guitarist James Stevenson of Generation X and singer Gary Twinn of Supernaut. A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025 About two-thirds of Generation Z and millennials use mobile banking apps most often, while 55% of Generation X customers do, the association said in a news release. David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025 The survey also showed that younger generations are more likely to be optimistic, with 59 percent of Generation Z and millennial respondents reporting optimism, compared to 60 percent of Generation X members and 48 percent of Baby Boomers. Joanne Haner, The Hill, 18 Dec. 2024 Save your paperwork More:Reality bites: Is Generation X in denial about its own impending retirement? Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Generation X was in 1987

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Cite this Entry

“Generation X.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Generation%20X. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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