noun
Polite, slightly formal noun referring to the current era or state of society. Often used in the phrase このご時世 (in this day and age) to comment on contemporary circumstances.
このご時世に、そんな古い考え方は通用しない。
In this day and age, such an old-fashioned way of thinking doesn't work.
Given the times, online meetings are increasing.
時世 is a neutral noun meaning 'the times' or 'the age', while ご時世 adds the honorific prefix ご for politeness and is often used in set phrases like このご時世.
時代 is a broader, more common word for 'era' or 'period', while ご時世 specifically refers to the current social climate or state of affairs, often with a nuance of commentary.
Combination of the honorific prefix ご and 時世 (times, age). 時世 itself is a compound of 時 (time) and 世 (world, society).