longevity

[lon-jev-i-tee, lawn-]

noun

1. a long individual life; great duration of individual life.

   Our family is known for its longevity.

2. the length or duration of life.

   research in human longevity.

3. length of service, tenure, etc.; seniority.

   promotions based on longevity.

longevity

/ lɒnˈdʒɛvɪtɪ, lɒnˈdʒiːvəs /

noun

1. long life

2. relatively long duration of employment, service, etc

Other Word Forms

• longevous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of longevity¹

From the Latin word longaevitās, dating back to 1605–15. See longevous, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of longevity¹

C17: from Late Latin longaevitās, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus _long ¹ + aevum age

Example Sentences

The key to longevity, many said, is how you manage the rejection, instability and heartbreak that are unavoidable in the industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Coogan believes Partridge's longevity is down to him having "evolved" into a more "three-dimensional" figure, capable of evoking "pathos".

From BBC

Bouchard admits he is usually not one for celebrating episode counts — “It starts to feel a little bit like bulk pricing,” he jokes — but he recognizes that the longevity of the series is something special.

From Los Angeles Times

"We never anticipated that the TV show would have that impact, would be so adored and have that longevity. It is defining."

From BBC

“He adapted as the landscape changed,” Bernard added of the longevity of Sundance’s influence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• durability 
• endurance