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.
Smoking just one cigarette can reduce life expectancy by about 20 minutes, according to research commissioned by the U.K. government. Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 College opens doors to better health care, better health outcomes, even longer life expectancies. Aidé Acosta, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024 The increase aimed to match increasing life expectancy. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 An aging population — baby boomers entering retirement — significantly increases demand for health-care services, and longer life expectancies have led to more years of health-care utilization. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near life expectancy

Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 16 Jan. 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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