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.
Compared with other high-income nations, our life expectancy is shorter. — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 West Sacramento faces low life expectancy and financial hardship, West Sacramento Councilmember Quirina Orozco noted. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 With the highest life expectancy in the European Union and rates of avoidable hospitalizations and preventable mortality remaining among the lowest, these benchmarks also translate well for expats seeking to live in Spain. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026 But overdoses are the biggest killer of younger people, and the change will likely have boosted US life expectancy — determined by death rates at all age groups — to another record, CNN noted. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 2 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

life everlasting
life expectancy
life experience
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Life expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20expectancy. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about life expectancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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