ageism

American  

[ey-jiz-uhm] / ˈeɪ dʒɪz əm /

noun

1. discrimination against persons of a certain age group.

2. a tendency to regard older persons as debilitated, unworthy of attention, or unsuitable for employment.

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ageism British  

/ ˈeɪdʒɪzəm /

noun

1. discrimination against people on the grounds of age; specifically, discrimination against the elderly

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Usage

What is ageism? Ageism is treating people of a certain age group negatively solely because of their age, as in Thinking that all teenagers are irresponsible is ageism. Ageism is any form of discrimination against people because of their age. Most often, ageism is targeted toward older people, such as thinking that elderly people are helpless because of their advanced age. However, any age group can be discriminated against. For example, thinking that someone in their 20s is too young to be a manager is ageism. So is thinking that teenagers are irresponsible. Example: When you don’t get hired for a position you’re qualified for just because you’re older, that sounds like ageism.

Other Word Forms

• ageist
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ageism

First recorded in 1965–70; age + -ism, on the model of sexism, racism, etc.

Explanation

Ageism is discriminating against someone because of how old they are. Forcing a worker to retire because they've just turned 65 is an example of ageism. Ageism, like other forms of discrimination, can take many forms. Some of these are illegal, like denying someone an apartment or a job because of their age. A boss who chooses a younger worker for a project instead of an older, more experienced employee may be guilty of ageism. Other forms of this prejudice are more subtle, like patronizing elderly people by treating them like children, or calling them "sweetheart." Ageism was coined in 1969, modeled on racism.

Example Sentences

In the case of older women, ageism and misogyny sometimes coalesce.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Of course, not everyone can keep working that long due to factors including physically demanding jobs, ageism, layoffs, caregiving responsibilities or their own health needs.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 16, 2025

Meanwhile, ageism can create biases that limit older peoples’ participation in disaster planning, leading to programs insufficiently tailored to their needs.

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2025

Speaking to The Times, these women addressed the lingering misogyny and ageism in the stand-up comedy industry, but said comedy offered them an outlet for self-discovery at an age where women can become invisible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

Current and former governments have agreed on the need for more diverse volunteers to avoid perceived discrimination or ageism.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2025