shelf life

American  

noun

1. the term or period during which a stored commodity remains effective, useful, or suitable for consumption.

   Many medicines have a very short shelf life.

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shelf life British  

noun

1. the length of time a packaged food, chemical, etc, will last without deteriorating

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Etymology

Origin of shelf life

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The traditional variety Balangar has a very short shelf life, sometimes as little as a three or four days, which limits the farmer's selling options.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

Seth, should investors in more-traditional types of energy become more flexible about alternative-energy investments, understanding that there is a shelf life in oil and gas?

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

While this refining process improves shelf life and taste consistency, it also reduces beneficial components such as antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and other bioactive substances.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

A policy argument has a limited shelf life; a devotional or memoir can sell indefinitely.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

My skin and bones will not age—my Bio Gel will simply reach the end of its shelf life and cease to operate.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson