aging

Or age·ing

[ey-jing]

noun

1. the process of becoming old or older.

   The aging of the population has had an effect on state revenues.

2. the process of bringing a product, material, etc., to maturity or a state fit for use.

   the proper aging of cheese in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity.

3. the process of making something seem older than it is.

   The leather tabletop is a recent replacement with deliberate aging and antiquing.

adjective

1. becoming old or older; showing signs of growing old.

   Many of us are caring for an aging parent in declining health.

2. giving the appearance of being old or older.

   They used aging makeup on some of the actors instead of recasting the roles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aging¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; age ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; age ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

A labor force that is aging and shrinking is less productive, and less productive countries are poorer.

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One in 5 adults in the U.S. provides care for an aging or disabled loved one.

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The opposite pattern would appear if aging and reduced immigration were tightening the labor market more than weaker demand.

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That’s the case for Ou, 20, who is majoring in human development and aging and plans to pursue a career in nursing.

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Owen’s elders—his aging American cousins, maybe once-removed—had a good year.

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