lifeline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. Common in figurative use in journalism, business, and everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “lifeline” mean?
a rope or line used for saving life, especially one thrown to rescue someone from water or used for safety in dangerous activities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a rope or line used for saving life, especially one thrown to rescue someone from water or used for safety in dangerous activities.
Something which is essential for maintaining or supporting the existence or vitality of a person, organization, or system. A means of help, escape, or survival in a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use literal and figurative senses identically.
Connotations
Conveys urgency, essential support, and sometimes desperation. In business contexts, can imply vulnerability if the 'lifeline' is the only support.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties. Slightly more common in UK media in contexts related to public services (e.g., 'lifeline bus service').
Grammar
How to Use “lifeline” in a Sentence
N be a lifeline for/to NV (throw/offer/provide) N (a) lifelineN's lifeline to NVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to essential funding, a crucial contract, or a key client that prevents bankruptcy. 'The emergency loan was a lifeline for the struggling company.'
Academic
Used metaphorically in social sciences to discuss essential resources for communities or systems. 'The river was the ancient settlement's economic lifeline.'
Everyday
Used for anything providing vital help or connection. 'My mobile phone is my lifeline when I'm travelling.'
Technical
In maritime/aviation contexts: a physical line for safety. In medicine: an intravenous line or other essential life-supporting apparatus.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lifeline”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lifeline”
- Using 'lifetime' instead of 'lifeline'. Confusing it with 'deadline'. Incorrect preposition: 'lifeline of' instead of 'lifeline for/to'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, compound word: 'lifeline'.
No, 'lifeline' is only a noun in standard modern English.
They are often synonymous figuratively. Literally, a 'lifeline' is a rope, while a 'lifesaver' is a person, device (like a ring), or sweet. 'Lifeline' emphasises the connection, 'lifesaver' the agent of rescue.
Yes, it emphasises a final source of help (e.g., 'The appeal to the supreme court was their last lifeline').
a rope or line used for saving life, especially one thrown to rescue someone from water or used for safety in dangerous activities.
Lifeline is usually neutral to formal. common in figurative use in journalism, business, and everyday speech. in register.
Lifeline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪflaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪflaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw someone a lifeline”
- “a lifeline to the outside world”
- “cut off the lifeline”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LIFE + LINE. A LINE that saves your LIFE, either literally (a rope) or figuratively (essential help).
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT/SAFETY IS A PHYSICAL LINE; ESSENTIAL RESOURCES ARE LIFEGIVING CORDS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'lifeline' used LEAST figuratively?