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

"Public investments that expand access to enriching environments, like libraries and early education programs designed to spark a lifelong love of learning, may help reduce the incidence of dementia."

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

My lifelong commitment to social justice and my eternal skepticism of power and avarice comes from what I learned growing up at St. Boniface in Anaheim.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

It is a lifelong condition with no cure, and many people contract it in childhood through close contact with loved ones.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

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 1990, McKissick fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was appointed as a judge for North Carolina’s Ninth Judicial District.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

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