lifelong

American  

[lahyf-lawng, -long] / ˈlaɪfˌlɔŋ, -ˌlɒŋ /

adjective

1. lasting or continuing through all or much of one's life.

   lifelong regret.

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lifelong British  

/ ˈlaɪfˌlɒŋ /

adjective

1. lasting for or as if for a lifetime

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Etymology

Origin of lifelong

1750–60; life + long ¹ (adv.)

Explanation

Something lifelong lasts your entire life, or for most of it. A lifelong friendship might have begun in kindergarten, and it continues today. You can describe your grandfather as a lifelong Republican if he's voted for the Republican candidate in every election all through his life. You could also say you have a lifelong hatred of green vegetables if you've refused broccoli and spinach since you first ate solid food. The word lifelong, meaning "continuing for a lifetime," was coined in the nineteenth century.

Example Sentences

One such victim was Maria Acevedo, who describes herself as a lifelong Republican and U.S. citizen who said she voted for Trump three times.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

“In general, university retirement communities attract people who are highly educated and had good experiences in college,” said Lindsey Beagley, senior director of lifelong university engagement for Mirabella at ASU.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Lajos is born with skin so pale it is almost transparent, and while Mr. Biedermann soon ceases to mention the abnormality, it introduces Lajos’s uncanny lifelong sensation of invisibility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Miller, who described himself as a lifelong Democrat, pointed out that Raman runs the powerful five-member council committee on housing and homelessness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Janey, a personable woman who spoke her mind, soon set Gene Nora at ease, and they became lifelong friends.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

Related Words

• constant
• continuing
• deep-rooted
• enduring
• inveterate
• long-lasting
• permanent
• persistent