life expectancy

noun

1. the probable number of years remaining in the life of an individual or class of persons determined statistically, affected by such factors as heredity, physical condition, nutrition, and occupation.

life expectancy

noun

1. the statistically determined average number of years of life remaining after a specified age for a given group of individuals Also calledexpectation of life

Word History and Origins

Origin of life expectancy¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The court heard that a recent medical report determined his life expectancy to be between nine months to a year.

From BBC

The study found that homeownership was associated with 0.36 years of additional life expectancy for Black male Americans who were born in the early twentieth century, and 0.42 years for their White counterparts.

From Science Daily

In other words, there’s the lack of social support, like universal paid sick leave in the United States, that’s contributing to America’s declining life expectancy.

From Salon

In the most affected neighborhoods, residents have a life expectancy 13 years lower than the state’s average.

From Los Angeles Times

The right to an assisted death will be granted to people with life expectancies of six months or less provided their request is approved by two doctors and a judge.

From BBC

Related Words

• longevity