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

With common-sense oversight and investment in education and skills development, AI can be a tool that strengthens—not threatens—our economy and quality of life. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

My guiding principle is not ideology, but outcomes — what works, what is fair and what measurably improves the quality of life for the people of Mecklenburg County. —Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026

While some attribute the influx to taxes, others believe factors like lifestyle, quality of life, and Florida’s appeal to the wealthy are just as important. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026

This means that many women don’t receive help until asthma has already impacted their quality of life. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quality of life

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