ageism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ageism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, often in contexts related to employment, healthcare, or social interactions. Example: "The company has been criticized for its ageism in hiring practices, favoring younger candidates over more experienced applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would be nice to think that, as Jowell says, "this ridiculous ageism that creeps out like a bad smell will just disappear", but to anyone who senses themselves being "granny-tracked" at work – subtly counted out of the running – it probably doesn't feel that way.

The Guardian - Opinion

I joke but given a recent anecdote from Maggie Gyllenhaal about being turned down for a role as she was deemed too old to play against an actor who was 18 years her senior, sexist ageism is still very much alive in Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

Hunt, the former BBC1 controller entangled in the Miriam O'Reilly ageism case, made a beeline for Laverne, aged 32 if you must ask, who has a regular slot revealing strange but true scientific facts.

The Guardian

Pretty good for one short blog: sexism, ageism, a demand for self-censorship, discrimination on the grounds of appearance and sheer blithering absurdity.

The Guardian

Whatever legislation is laid down about ageism and sexism they are both as ubiquitous as they ever were, just more opaque.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite industry ageism, Blackman is still working hard.

The Guardian

Your years as a freelancer may also pose problems alongside any "ageism" you might face.

The Economist

Neither in nor out Blooded Bringing back the romance Time's up for ageism Old school ties Down they come The Tories' Catch-22 ReprintsSo does all this add up to prima facie evidence of collusion?

The Economist

Neither in nor out Blooded Bringing back the romance Time's up for ageism Old school ties Down they come The Tories' Catch-22 Reprints Related items Bagehot: The Tories' Catch-22Jul 3rd 2003In itself, this is not surprising.

The Economist

Neither in nor out Blooded Bringing back the romance Time's up for ageism Old school ties Down they come The Tories' Catch-22 ReprintsSelling Germany in Britain will be a slog.

The Economist

One senior MP observed: "On top of our usual disagreements we are now riven with ageism and class hatred".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “ageism” with other forms of discrimination (“sexism”, “racism”, “homophobia”) to create more impactful insights.

Common error

Instead of making sweeping statements about entire age cohorts, focus on specific instances of "ageism" and their impact on individuals or organizations.

Linguistic Context

The word “ageism” functions primarily as a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes a form of discrimination or prejudice rooted in assumptions or stereotypes about a person's age. It's often used to describe systemic biases in areas like employment or social interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “ageism” is a noun denoting discrimination or prejudice based on age. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in identifying and critiquing unfair treatment across various contexts, most commonly in News & Media. To effectively address "ageism", be specific about the context and avoid broad generalizations. Consider alternatives like "age discrimination" or "age bias" for nuanced communication. By understanding and addressing "ageism", we can promote a more equitable and inclusive society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

age discrimination

Focuses specifically on discriminatory practices related to age, often in legal or employment contexts.

age bias

Highlights prejudice or favoritism toward individuals based on their age.

discrimination against older people

Specifically addresses the disadvantages faced by older individuals due to their age.

discrimination against younger people

Specifically addresses the disadvantages faced by younger individuals due to their age.

age-related prejudice

Emphasizes the preconceived negative judgments associated with age.

gerontophobia

Describes the fear or dislike of older people.

reverse ageism

Describes discrimination against younger people.

generational bias

Highlights prejudice toward a specific generation.

age stereotyping

Focuses on the act of applying generalized beliefs about age groups to individuals.

age-based exclusion

Highlights the act of excluding individuals based on their age.

FAQs

How can I use "ageism" in a sentence?

"Ageism" can be used to describe discriminatory practices or attitudes based on age. For example, "The company's hiring practices were criticized for showing "ageism" against older applicants".

What are some synonyms for "ageism"?

Alternatives to "ageism" include "age discrimination", "age bias", and "age-related prejudice". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "ageism" always directed at older people?

While "ageism" often refers to discrimination against older people, it can also apply to discrimination against younger people. This is sometimes referred to as "reverse ageism".

What's the difference between "ageism" and "age discrimination"?

"Ageism" refers to the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against people based on their age. "Age discrimination", is a specific manifestation of ageism, that refers to unfair treatment based on age, often in employment or legal settings.