# fifties

/ˈfɪftiz/ (US) · /fˈɪftɪz/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fifties
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the years between 50 and 59 in a century, or the age between 50 and 59 in a person's life.

For teachers: the decade between the fiftieth and sixtieth years of a century, or the period of life between the ages of fifty and sixty.

## Examples

- Rock and roll music became very popular during the fifties.
- My father is in his late fifties and is already planning his retirement.
- The economic boom of the fifties transformed the suburban landscape, leading to a surge in car ownership and the growth of middle-class consumerism.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is in his fifty" but "He is in his fifties" — When referring to a person's age range or a decade, the plural form must be used.

## Usage notes

- Always plural; takes a plural verb when referring to the decade or age range.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.