longevity

noun

lon·gev·i·ty | \ län-ˈje-və-tē

, lȯn-\

Definition of longevity

1a : a long duration of individual life The members of that family are noted for their longevity.

b : length of life a study of longevity

2 : long continuance : permanence, durability longevity in office is also an asset— Spencer Parratt

Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about longevity

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Did You Know?

As living conditions improve and the science of medicine advances, the longevity of the average American has increased greatly, from about 45 years in 1900 to over 75 years today. But the most impressive human longevity is nothing compared to the 400-year lifespan of an ocean clam found near Iceland, or the 5,000-year lifespan of the bristlecone pine, a tree found in the western U.S. We may use longevity to talk not only about actual lives but also of the useful "life" of things: the life of your car's tires or the shingles on your roof, for example.

Examples of longevity in a Sentence

His longevity was remarkable considering he had been so sick when he was a child. Better medical treatment has led to greater longevity. a study of human longevity The longevity of a car's tires depends on how the car is driven. They're trying to increase the product's longevity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now there is fresh evidence that women not only have a longevity advantage; their brains seem to be more youthful throughout adulthood, too. — Susan Pinker, WSJ, "Women Have Younger Brains Than Men," 27 Mar. 2019 And one way to manage that risk is by purchasing a type of annuity called ALDA, or longevity insurance. — Robert Powell, USA TODAY, "8 steps to building a better nest egg for your retirement years," 27 June 2018 An influx of tourists over the course of decades had inundated the tomb with humidity, dust, and carbon dioxide; scratches and abrasions were also threatening the longevity of the wall paintings. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "King Tut's Tomb Is Reopening—And This Time, It's Tourist-Proof," 1 Feb. 2019 Location for libations: Pete Valavanis knows a little something about longevity. — Griffin Jackson, chicagotribune.com, "The most diverse street in America? Find color, culture, connectedness on Devon Avenue," 28 June 2018 The interviewer asked about the extraordinary longevity of his career, which is now approaching six decades and seemingly defying the strictures of time and aging. — David Weininger, BostonGlobe.com, "Placido Domingo, at 77, still savors ‘this privilege, to make people happy’," 25 Apr. 2018 While hormonal IUDs can be great for many reasons, ParaGard, which is recommended for up to 10 years, smokes other intrauterine devices in the longevity department. — Korin Miller, SELF, "When Is It OK to Get Your IUD Removed?," 12 Mar. 2019 Candidates serve for life — which, given modern longevity and youthful nominees, can now mean 40 years of decisions — and no one knows when the next seat will open. — Ezra Klein, Vox, "Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the case for 18-year Supreme Court terms," 26 Dec. 2018 The growing acceptance of the Somali community is partly the result of longevity. — Fox News, "Somali immigrants find growing acceptance in Minnesota," 25 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'longevity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.