senior

Senior is a term used to describe someone who is older or more advanced in rank, status, or experience. The word derives from Latin senior meaning older. In common usage, senior can refer to age, often with special phrases such as senior citizen or the senior population, though age thresholds vary by country and context. In many contexts, 'senior' denotes someone who is at the later stage of a career or life, compared with 'junior' or 'younger'.

In education, 'senior' designates a student in the final year of a program. In high school in the United States and Canada, a senior is typically in the 12th grade; in undergraduate programs, a senior is a student in their fourth year. The term is also used for projects associated with the final year, such as a senior thesis or capstone.

In the workplace, 'senior' is often a title or descriptor indicating a higher level of responsibility or experience, such as senior analyst, senior engineer, or senior partner. It is used to distinguish from roles labeled 'junior' or 'assistant.' The term does not strictly imply age but experience within an organization or field.

Some organizations also use senior to designate age-based teams or categories, such as 'senior division' in sports. As a social term, 'senior' can be neutral or respectful, but in some contexts it may carry sensitivity about age, so phrasing can vary by culture and setting.