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.
During the series, Swisher also visits medical clinics and biotech labs, as well as South Korea, whose residents enjoy a high life expectancy. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026 According to WalletHub, people in Fremont also have the highest rate of life satisfaction, the seventh-lowest depression rate, and the fifth-highest average life expectancy in the country. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026 By analyzing data on life expectancy, chronic conditions, disability, mental distress, and physical inactivity among adults 65 and older, home medical bed company Opera Beds identified where seniors have the best quality of life. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 Many women face unique financial realities, such as career breaks, caregiving, and longer life expectancy, yet most financial advice ignores these factors, which can affect women in ways that differ from those of men, according to NerdWallet's personal finance expert Kimberly Palmer. Janay Reece, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026 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 17 Mar. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster