Aging vs. Ageing
“Aging” and “ageing” are established regional spellings. Cambridge labels aging as US and ageing as UK, so the choice should follow the intended variety or house style.
Use “aging” in US English and “ageing” in UK English when referring to getting older.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Audience / style | Preferred spelling | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| US English | aging | Standard US spelling. |
| UK English | ageing | Standard UK spelling. |
| House style | follow house style | Both refer to getting older; the distinction is spelling, not meaning. |
Quick tests
Regional-style test
Is the document written in US English?
If yes: Use “aging.”
If no: Use “ageing” for UK English or the form required by house style.
Caveat: Do not mark a documented regional form wrong solely because another variety uses the alternative.
Examples
US style: The report examines an aging population.
“Aging” matches US spelling.
UK style: The report examines an ageing population.
“Ageing” matches UK spelling.
Further guidance
Core difference
“Aging” is the standard US spelling and “ageing” is the standard UK spelling in the getting-older sense.
Fast Test
Choose the form that matches the intended regional or house style.
Variant Boundary
Both forms are established; do not mark a documented regional form wrong merely because another variety prefers the alternative.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- AGING — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · US spelling of ageing and American usage
- AGEING — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · UK ageing; US aging