quality of life

noun phrase

: overall enjoyment of life : general well-being
… the male characters on the show not only have a better chance of survival; they're also more likely to improve their quality of life through friendship.Juliet Lapidos
specifically : the degree to which a person or group is healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy the activities of daily living
Migraine is a common disorder that can severely affect patients' quality of life and daily function. New England Journal of Medicine
often hyphenated when used before another noun
A number of recent surveys have identified noise as New York City's greatest quality-of-life issue. Tom Vanderbilt
abbreviation QOL

Examples of quality of life 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.
Early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular checkups can help manage both conditions and improve quality of life. Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 20 July 2025 As a result of this huge improvement in the city’s quality of life, my family has been spending more weekends taking transit into Midtown. Roger Cost, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025 Scottsdale, Peoria, Chandler and Gilbert placed in the top 10 for quality of life. Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 18 July 2025 His story reflects, however, the frequent dismissal of a common condition, one that can not only diminish older adults’ quality of life but also lead to serious health consequences, including falls, fractures, and hospital stays. Paula Span, Miami Herald, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for quality of life

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quality of life was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Quality of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quality%20of%20life. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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