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

Eye Rolling Studies have found that eye-rolling exercises may help reduce stress and improve quality of life. —Laura Schober, Health, 12 Feb. 2025

In tandem, these health and economic trends might reinforce each other and help fuel inequality between rural and urban areas that produces a profoundly different quality of life. —Bryan Tysinger, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025

Already, a groundswell of experts and coalitions is emerging to inform the rebuild – each with their own ideas about how best to do it, taking into account climate resilience, energy efficiency, and quality of life. —Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025

Ned has demonstrated his commitment to protecting our local quality of life. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above