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.
On Women’s Retirement Planning Women face distinct challenges from longer life expectancies to career interruptions and income disparities making women’s retirement planning unique. James Brewer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 When Biden was first elected to the Senate, at twenty-nine, life expectancy for men with metastatic prostate cancer was dismal. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 May 2025 Biden is 82 years old, and the average life expectancy for a man in the US is about 76. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 The average life expectancy for metastatic prostate cancer is three to five years, but some patients can live much longer, depending on their medical history. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 19 May 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 5 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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