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 Most bridges built in that era have a life expectancy of about 50 years or more. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 13 July 2024 Extends Your Life Brisk walking has a powerful association with extending life expectancy. Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Global life expectancy is projected to reach 81.7 years in 2100. Denise Chow, NBC News, 11 July 2024 Black Americans in general have a lower life expectancy than white Americans, and Black babies are more likely to be stillborn or die in infancy. Anna North, Vox, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for life expectancy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'life expectancy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near life expectancy

Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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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