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

Resident concerns Over the past few years, residents and business owners have expressed concerns about quality of life and safety issues tied to homelessness. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026

The General Assembly has real control over housing, taxes, education, healthcare and mental health services — all of which directly shape quality of life. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026

Condo leaders have urged Miami Beach officials to reject the helipad, saying helicopter flights could disrupt their quality of life. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

And quality of life is a focus with new entertainment equipment available to sailors. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quality of life

• afterlife
• pocketknife
• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife