lifequake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, but it's a modern neologism (a coined new word). It is not yet found in most authoritative dictionaries but has gained some traction in informal and media language.

A 'midlife crisis' is a specific, age-related period of doubt and change. A 'lifequake' is broader, describing the disruptive *event itself* (which could be at any age), not the prolonged psychological state.

Yes. While initially disruptive and often negative, the term can be used for massively positive changes (e.g., winning the lottery, a sudden major opportunity) that force a complete restructuring of one's life.

It functions almost exclusively as a countable noun, typically preceded by an article (a/the) and often modified (e.g., 'a devastating lifequake', 'her personal lifequake'). Example: 'The layoffs triggered a professional lifequake for the entire department.'

A sudden, major, and often unwelcome disruption or upheaval in one's life, causing significant re-evaluation or change.

Lifequake is usually informal, journalistic, self-help/popular psychology in register.

Lifequake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪf.kweɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪf.kweɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.