life expectancy

noun

: the average lifespan 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Asians generally have longer life expectancies than those outside the region—but longer lives aren’t the same as healthier ones. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 But even in wealthy nations with high life expectancies, these super-aging hubs are outliers. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 Due to the lack of treatment options, the median life expectancy for patients with recurrent glioblastoma is less than a year. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 Snow leopards, which generally have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years in the wild, are classified as vulnerable on the endangered list. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for life expectancy

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

life everlasting
life expectancy
life experience
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about life expectancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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