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.
For a healthy individual with a reasonable life expectancy, that 8% annual return on patience is difficult to beat with alternative strategies. Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 The negative correlation between insufficient sleep and life expectancy held in most states across every year studied, even after controlling for smoking, diet and physical inactivity. Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026 Two major studies published in the last six months are reshaping how researchers think about sleep and life expectancy, and the findings are striking enough to rethink what actually belongs at the top of your wellness priorities. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026 Though symptoms can significantly affect daily life, most people with ISM have a normal life expectancy. Heidi Cope, Health, 15 May 2026 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 24 May. 2026.

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

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