life expectancy

noun

: the average life span of an individual

Examples of life expectancy in a Sentence

improvements in diet that have resulted in greater life expectancy for many people calculating the life expectancies of different social groups
Recent Examples on the Web Shetland ponies generally have an average life expectancy of some 20 to 30 years, according to multiple sources, though some can live longer. Maureen MacKey, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2024 The turf has a life expectancy of eight to 10 years, leading local health and environmental enthusiasts to recommend the change now. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Previous data collected from 2011-15 showed a life expectancy of 76.8. The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Topline Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with a form of dementia and a communication disorder called primary progressive aphasia, which is a rare disease that has a typical life expectancy of between seven and 12 years after symptoms show. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 However, the study created a legacy of suspicion and mistrust of the medical community that continues today, leading to a decrease in the life expectancy of Black men and lower participation in medical research among Black Americans. Nicole Tisdale, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 These are the places, however, where median household income, management roles, life expectancy, and bachelor’s degree attainment are higher. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 2 Feb. 2024 The average life expectancy for heart patients after a transplant is 16 years, according to Janssen’s current cardiologist, Casper Eurlings. Reuters, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Though the average life expectancy in Nigeria hovers around 55 years old, being 72 does not concern her. Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'life expectancy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life expectancy was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near life expectancy

Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

life expectancy

noun
: the number of years that an individual or group of a certain age can expect to live on the average based on experience in the past for individuals or groups of the same kind

Medical Definition

life expectancy

noun
: an expected number of years of life based on statistical probability

Legal Definition

life expectancy

noun
: the average life span of an individual

More from Merriam-Webster on life expectancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!