What does "ageism" mean?
The treating of a person or people, especially older people, differently from others based on assumptions, prejudices or/and stereotypes relating to their age.
Ageism
/ˈeɪd͡ʒ.ɪzm̩/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The treating of a person or people, especially older people, differently from others based on assumptions, prejudices or/and stereotypes relating to their age.
- Grammar: ageism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: age bias, age discrimination, age prejudice, age-based bias.
- Useful contrasts: age neutrality, antiageism.
- Usage evidence: Physicians must confront ageism.
How to use "ageism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ageism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ageism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ageism" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ageism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "age bias" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The treating of a person or people, especially older people, differently from others based on assumptions, prejudices or/and stereotypes relating to their age. countable, uncountable
"But a half-hour into this third Democratic debate, many Democrats had to be wondering: Can he [Joe Biden] go three hours? It’s our own collective ageism."
- 2 discrimination on the basis of a person's age wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
age neutralityantiageism
Example
"Physicians must confront ageism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ageism"?
Common synonyms include: age bias, age discrimination, age prejudice, age-based bias, age-based discrimination, agism.
How do you use "ageism" in a sentence?
Physicians must confront ageism.
How do you pronounce "ageism"?
Pronounced /ˈeɪd͡ʒ.ɪzm̩/.
Etymology
From age + -ism. Coined by American academic Robert N. Butler in 1969.