live down

verb

lived down; living down; lives down

transitive verb

: to live so as to wipe out the memory or effects of
made a mistake and couldn't live it down

Examples of live down in a Sentence

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.
So far, the Kennedy regime at HHS has lived down to the worst expectations of his critics. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 Endlessly, though, was really a turf horse, and the 48-1 shot lived down to his expectations, finishing ninth. Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Scott lived down the block from where he was fatally shot, police said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025 The sellers decided to move to be closer to their oldest daughter and her husband, who used to live down the street in the same gated community, but moved to Nevada to realize their dream of running a Wagyu beef ranch. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for live down

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of live down was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Live down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/live%20down. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

live down

verb
: to live so as to wipe out the memory of
live down a mistake
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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