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

“For older workers, ageism might make it difficult to find a new job. It’s important to have a financial buffer to justify taking this offer.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

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

A feminist film about ageism and unrealistic beauty standards is not unusual, but what makes the film so gruesome is the titular substance used by the main character.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2024

It’s inevitable that audiences will compare Moore with her character, particularly as she herself has faced sexism and ageism from her studios and producers, events she detailed in her notably frank 2019 memoir, “Inside Out.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2024