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

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

Although the statistical models controlled for several lifestyle factors, other unmeasured variables could influence both sleep patterns and life expectancy. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

After being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on May 9, Marla was given a life expectancy of six to 18 months. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

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