life expectancy

American  

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.

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life expectancy British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of life expectancy

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

“The new ‘magic number’ reflects a convergence of factors — from persistent inflation and longer life expectancies, to uncertainty about the future of Social Security,” said John Roberts, chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual.

From MarketWatch

Over time, the disease worsens, and life expectancy is significantly reduced.

From Science Daily

It’s the same tool that insurance actuaries use to calculate life expectancy, adapted to estimate how long a typical player might expect to play in the WNBA.

From The Wall Street Journal

The rare genetic condition causes progressive muscle weakness and, without treatment, can limit life expectancy to just two years.

From BBC

Originally, the Scottish bill did not have a life expectancy timescale.

From BBC

Related Words

• longevity