Meaning & use
for the ages
Last updated
UK/fə ði ˈeɪdʒɪz/
US/fər ði ˈeɪdʒɪz/
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformalliterary
so good or important that it will be remembered for a very long time.
Grammar: Used after a noun or after 'be': a performance for the ages; The game was for the ages.
Patterns
- a performance for the ages
- a game for the ages
- something for the ages
Her final concert was a performance for the ages.
The team played a game for the ages and won in the last minute.
His speech was not just good; it was for the ages.
Common combinations
- a performance for the ages
- The actor gave a performance for the ages in that film.
- a game for the ages
- Fans still talk about that game for the ages.
- a moment for the ages
- The moon landing was a moment for the ages.
Synonyms and how they differ
- legendary
- Means very famous and admired; it describes the thing itself, while 'for the ages' says it will be remembered over time.
- unforgettable
- Means impossible to forget; it is less formal and does not necessarily suggest historical importance.
Opposites
Practice
Which sentence uses 'for the ages' in the most natural way?
Choose one answer.
'For the ages' describes something memorable and important, so 'a match for the ages' fits. The other options use it in unrelated or grammatically odd ways.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “for the ages”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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