Gerontocracy

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌdʒɛrənˈtɑkrəsi/

Definitions of gerontocracy

noun a society, state, or group governed by the elderly

Example Sentences

A1 In a gerontocracy, older people hold the most power.

A2 Some societies have been described as gerontocracies due to the dominance of elderly leaders.

B1 The concept of a gerontocracy raises questions about age discrimination in leadership roles.

B2 Critics argue that a gerontocracy may not always represent the diverse needs of a population.

C1 The gerontocracy in that country has been in power for decades, leading to calls for generational change.

C2 Scholars debate the effectiveness of a gerontocracy in addressing modern challenges and issues.

Examples of gerontocracy in a Sentence

formal The country's government had transitioned into a gerontocracy, with most of the leaders being elderly individuals.

informal It seems like we're living in a gerontocracy now, with all these old politicians running the show.

slang I can't stand this gerontocracy, it's time for some fresh blood in charge.

figurative The company's boardroom felt like a gerontocracy, with the same old ideas being recycled over and over again.

Grammatical Forms of gerontocracy

plural

gerontocracies

comparative

more gerontocratic

superlative

most gerontocratic

present tense

gerontocracy

future tense

will gerontocracy

perfect tense

has gerontocracied

continuous tense

is gerontocracying

singular

gerontocracy

positive degree

gerontocracy

infinitive

to gerontocracy

gerund

gerontocracying

participle

gerontocracied

Origin and Evolution of gerontocracy

First Known Use: 1650 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The word 'gerontocracy' originated from the Greek words 'geron', meaning old man, and 'kratia', meaning rule or power.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a political system where the elderly have significant power and influence, the term has evolved to also refer to any society or group where the elderly hold a dominant position in decision-making.