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

Social activity: Maintaining a strong social network can help older adults maintain their quality of life and support healthy aging.24 A Quick Review Centenarians are often highly regarded for their healthy lifestyles. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Canada ranked in the top 10 for best countries and best quality of life, according to the U.S. News and World Report. —Celia Fernandez, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

Wrinkles and fine lines may catch our eye, but the deeper changes, like declining ovarian function, have far-reaching impacts on health and quality of life. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 10 Dec. 2024

Employers are well-positioned to provide resources that improve their employees’ well-being and quality of life—benefits that might not otherwise be accessible due to SDOH barriers. —Sean Fogarty, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above