life expectancy

noun

: the average lifespan of an individual

Examples of life expectancy in a Sentence

improvements in diet that have resulted in greater life expectancy for many people

calculating the life expectancies of different social groups

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the challenges dominating today’s policy debates — from military readiness and economic competitiveness to rising health care costs and declining life expectancy — have roots in childhood. — Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026

One of its signature concepts is hinged on Blue Zones, locations with the highest life expectancy compared to the global average. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Recommendations for when to stop screening also vary, generally ranging from ages 69 to 75 or when life expectancy is less than 10 years. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The average life expectancy was six weeks in horrid conditions. — Megan Shinn, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

life expectancy

noun

: the number of years that an individual or group of a certain age can expect to live on the average based on experience in the past for individuals or groups of the same kind

Medical Definition

life expectancy

noun

: an expected number of years of life based on statistical probability

Legal Definition

life expectancy

noun

: the average life span of an individual