life expectancy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic, Journalistic, Medical/Demographic
Quick answer
What does “life expectancy” mean?
The statistically predicted average number of years an individual, or a specific group, is expected to live from a given point in time, typically from birth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The statistically predicted average number of years an individual, or a specific group, is expected to live from a given point in time, typically from birth.
A statistical measure of the average remaining lifespan; also used metaphorically to discuss the predicted operational duration of objects, systems, or ideas (e.g., "the life expectancy of a smartphone").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., 'life expectancy' vs. 'life-expectancy' as a compound adjective is rare in both).
Connotations
Identical. Carries connotations of public health, socio-economic development, and statistical analysis.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both varieties within relevant contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “life expectancy” in a Sentence
The life expectancy of NOUNLife expectancy in PLACELife expectancy for GROUPLife expectancy at AGELife expectancy is VERBVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “life expectancy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The life-expectancy gap between rich and poor areas is widening.
American English
- Life expectancy data shows significant regional disparities.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pension planning, insurance risk assessment, and market analysis for age-related products.
Academic
A key metric in demography, epidemiology, public health, sociology, and economics research.
Everyday
Discussed in news reports about health, development, and comparisons between countries or regions.
Technical
A precisely defined actuarial and demographic measure, often calculated using life tables.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “life expectancy”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “life expectancy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “life expectancy”
- Using it for an individual's predicted lifespan (e.g., 'My life expectancy is 85' – this is personal and uncertain; better: 'I might live to 85').
- Confusing 'life expectancy' with 'life span' (the latter is the maximum potential years of life for a species or individual).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Life expectancy is a statistical average for a large group (e.g., all men born in 2000). Your personal lifespan will be influenced by your unique genetics, lifestyle, and circumstances.
'Life expectancy at birth' is the most common and comparable metric. It estimates the average total lifespan for a hypothetical newborn, assuming current mortality patterns remain constant throughout their life.
Yes. Major events like pandemics, wars, socioeconomic collapse, or a rise in chronic diseases can cause a decline in a population's life expectancy, as seen historically.
This is a more specific measure estimating the average number of years a person can expect to live in full health, without disability or major illness, not just the total number of years lived.
The statistically predicted average number of years an individual, or a specific group, is expected to live from a given point in time, typically from birth.
Life expectancy is usually formal, academic, journalistic, medical/demographic in register.
Life expectancy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪf ɪkˌspɛk.tən.si/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪf ɪkˌspɛk.tən.si/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a doctor checking a chart and saying, 'Based on current statistics, I **expect** the average **life** span for this group is 80 years.' That's the core of **life expectancy**.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY; A SOCIETY'S HEALTH IS ITS LONGEVITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'life expectancy' used most precisely?