geriatric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Technical, Sometimes Informal/Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “geriatric” mean?
Relating to old people or the process of aging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to old people or the process of aging.
Used to describe something very old, outdated, or in poor condition; can also refer to the branch of medicine dealing with health and diseases of old age (geriatrics).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties share core meanings. UK English may show slightly more informal pejorative use for objects (e.g., 'geriatric computer').
Connotations
The noun form ('the geriatrics', 'a geriatric') is widely considered insensitive or offensive in both varieties. The adjective in medical contexts is neutral; informal use is often derogatory.
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency, with high use in medical/social care contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “geriatric” in a Sentence
Adjective + noun (geriatric ___ )Noun (as modifier: ___ geriatric)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “geriatric” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hospital has a dedicated geriatric ward.
- He's still driving that geriatric old Volvo.
American English
- She specializes in geriatric psychiatry.
- We need to replace this geriatric printer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in HR (geriatric workforce) or marketing (geriatric products).
Academic
Common in medical, nursing, social policy, and sociology texts.
Everyday
Informal, often pejorative use for old objects; careful use required for people.
Technical
Standard term in healthcare (geriatrician, geriatric psychiatry).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “geriatric”
- Using 'geriatric' as a neutral noun for an old person (offensive). Confusing with 'generic'. Spelling: 'geratic' or 'geraitric'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Using 'geriatric' as a noun for a person is generally considered derogatory and dehumanising. Use 'older person' or 'elderly person' instead.
'Geriatric' specifically relates to the medical care and diseases of old age. 'Gerontological' is broader, covering the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging itself.
Yes, informally. It's used humorously or critically to describe something very old and often failing, like a 'geriatric computer'. This usage is metaphorical.
A paediatric patient (child). Geriatrics and paediatrics are opposite ends of the age-specialised medical spectrum.
Relating to old people or the process of aging.
Geriatric is usually formal, technical, sometimes informal/pejorative in register.
Geriatric: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒer.iˈæt.rɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒer.iˈæt.rɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Past one's sell-by date (informal synonym for concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GERI'atric like 'GERI'atrics – the medical care for the elderly, linking it to age.
Conceptual Metaphor
OLD AGE IS A MEDICAL CONDITION / OLD OBJECTS ARE INFIRM PEOPLE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'geriatric' LEAST likely to be considered offensive?