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
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.
But in recent years, the life expectancy of Americans has been declining, even as some older adults become even wealthier than before, researchers said. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 The 9 Best Vegan Multivitamins & Supplements, According to Dietitians Life Expectancy Statistics The statistics on life expectancy in vegans are scarce. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2025 The mean life expectancy in Mississippi is six years lower than that of Hawaii and more than four years below the national average. Nicole McCann, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025 Historic fact #2: In 1930, life expectancy in America was 58 years for males and 62 years for females. Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for life expectancy

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life expectancy was in 1848

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Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on life expectancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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