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

However, expertise in treating disease has not translated into sustained gains in healthy life expectancy. — Pooja Kumar, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Like when Devey asked his father about the life expectancy for an offensive lineman. — Pj Green august 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

Additionally, the average life expectancy for both men and women has risen. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Aug. 2026

Education and health metrics included the quality of the public school system, high school graduation rates, life expectancy and the share of the population with insurance. — Idaho Statesman, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

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