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.
At that time, her life expectancy was 12 to 15 years, Tucker said. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026 Hospice enrollees are supposed to have a terminal illness or life expectancy of six months or less. William La Jeunesse, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Educational attainment is consistently associated with upward mobility, longer life expectancy, lower rates of chronic disease and better mental health. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026 The prognosis and life expectancy for C3G depends on the disease subtype, age, and more. Carrie Madormo, Health, 30 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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
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