# forties

/ˈfɔɹtiz/ (US) · /fˈɔːtɪz/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forties
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the years between 40 and 49 in a person's life or in a century. You use this to talk about someone's age or a specific time in history.

For teachers: the decade between the ages of 40 and 49, or the years from '40 to '49 within a century. Refers to a collective span of time or age.

## Examples

- She is in her late forties and loves her job.
- The fashion of the nineteen-forties was heavily influenced by the practical needs of the wartime era.
- Many professionals find that their forties represent a peak in their career trajectory, combining significant experience with continued physical and mental energy.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is in his forty" but "He is in his forties" — When referring to a decade of life, the plural form 'forties' must be used instead of the cardinal number.

## Usage notes

- Always used in the plural form; typically preceded by a possessive adjective (her forties) or the definite article (the forties).

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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.