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

Much of his longevity can be attributed to the Bearcats suffering two losing seasons (2005, 2008) during the past 14 seasons, with four division titles (2006, 2009, 2011 and 2016). — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, "2019 College Football Rankings: No. 79 Ohio chases elusive MAC title," 8 June 2019 Vans Today the Harry Potter franchise once again proved its commercial longevity with the release of a Vans collaboration. — Sangeeta Singh-kurtz, Quartzy, "Vans x Harry Potter is the sneaker collection no one asked for but everyone wants," 7 June 2019 The rest of the store remained full price, assured of its longevity, despite a lack of shoppers. — Jamie Lauren Keiles, Vox, "The bleak hope of the day-after-Christmas sale," 27 Dec. 2018 Her longevity is striking in Bolivia, which still has one of South America’s highest levels of mortality, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the U.N.’s regional arm. — Carlos Valdez, The Seattle Times, "Bolivian woman might be world’s oldest person, at nearly 118," 28 Aug. 2018 Her longevity is striking in Bolivia, which still has one of South America's highest levels of mortality, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the U.N.'s regional arm. — Carlos Valdez, Fox News, "Bolivian woman might be world's oldest at nearly 118," 28 Aug. 2018 One 104-year-old woman attributes her longevity to drinking 3 Dr. Pepper sodas per day for 40 years. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Study Suggests There’s No Limit on Longevity, But Getting Super Old Is Still Tough," 29 June 2018 Its longevity has taught us much about operating on Mars. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, "Opportunity rover threatened by giant storm on Mars," 13 June 2018 The eatery remains hugely popular despite (or perhaps, in part, because of) its longevity and adherence to tradition. — Arthur Levine, USA TODAY, "Knott's Berry Farm: Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant stays true to its past," 6 June 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.