Definition

Noun: - Discrimination or prejudice against people based on their age, especially against older people: Ageism involves holding negative stereotypes, making unfair assumptions, or treating individuals differently because of their age, typically targeting middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The company's hiring practices were investigated for potential ageism.
  • She gave a powerful speech about combating ageism in the healthcare system.
  • Ageism can lead to the social and economic marginalization of older adults.

Advanced Usage

• Institutional ageism: Refers to ageist practices and policies embedded within the structures of organizations, laws, or societies.
  • Institutional ageism was evident in the mandatory retirement policy.
• Internalized ageism: When older individuals themselves accept negative societal stereotypes about aging.
  • Her reluctance to apply for the new role was a sign of internalized ageism.

Variants and Related Words

• Ageist (adj): Characterized by or showing prejudice based on age.
  • That was an ageist remark about older drivers.
• Ageist (n): A person who holds ageist views.
  • He was called an ageist for his comments.

Synonyms

• Age discrimination: Unfair treatment based on age.
• Age bias: Prejudice in favor of or against a particular age group.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Fight/combat ageism": To take action against age-based discrimination.
  • The organization's mission is to fight ageism in the workplace.
• "Victim of ageism": Someone who has been discriminated against because of their age.
  • He felt he was a victim of ageism when he was passed over for promotion.

Noun

1. discrimination against middle-aged and elderly people