ageless

Ageless is an adjective that describes something not affected by the passage of time or not showing signs of aging. In everyday usage, it can refer to people who appear younger than their years, objects that endure with little wear, or ideas and styles that seem to endure beyond their era. The term is frequently used in marketing and popular culture to evoke timelessness, particularly in cosmetics and fashion, where “ageless” signifies a youthful appearance that remains constant despite aging.

In biology, the concept contrasts with typical aging. Negligible senescence describes organisms in which mortality and decline do not increase significantly with age. Scientists often cite species such as certain hydra, jellyfish, and planarians as examples discussed in this context, though no living organism is truly immortal under all conditions. The term ageless is thus sometimes used metaphorically rather than scientifically.

Etymologically, ageless is formed from age plus the suffix -less, meaning lacking age. Its use extends from general descriptions of enduring qualities to modern branding and media, where it can imply a universal, time-transcendent appeal. Critics note that marketing uses of ageless can reinforce unrealistic standards by implying aging should be avoided rather than embraced. Nevertheless, the word remains common in discussions of aesthetics, literature, and cultural perceptions of time and beauty.