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.
The judge also cited the city's own arborist report, which found the tree is showing signs of decline and has a life expectancy of less than ten years. Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026 Even small changes can have a big impact on your health and life expectancy. Aaron Steckelberg, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2026 The average life expectancy for a corrections worker is 60, compared to 75 for the general population. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025 Due to medical advances, life expectancy has improved for children with these disorders, creating a growing population of adults needing services. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Dec. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 12 Jan. 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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