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.)

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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

See Examples For:

lifelong

Across town on Monday, I was at Nemo’s, a Detroit pub, for a birthday party crowded with old friends, all of them lifelong Democrats.

From Slate ● Nov. 3, 2026

The NHS offers lifelong care to those with the condition.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

“They share a deep affinity and love for one another, and though their romantic partnership is ending, they will absolutely be lifelong friends,” the source told the outlet.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

He’s also an award-winning photographer and lifelong member of the Royal Photographic Society.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026

Though he had not sought out the impending duel with Burr, there was nothing in Hamilton’s lifelong pattern that would permit a self-consciously bland and supremely triumphant refusal of the challenge.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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Related Words

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

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