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.
For all Americans, average life expectancy at age 65 has risen since the 1930s by about 6.6 years, to about 84 and a half. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5 years. Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 June 2025 Until the 1980s, life expectancy had been steadily rising in Zambia. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 13 June 2025 In the past decade four main elements — age structure, fertility, life expectancy and religious switching — drove religious change, the study found. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 10 June 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 28 Jun. 2025.

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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