living will: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal, Medical, Legal, Administrative
Quick answer
What does “living will” mean?
A legal document in which a person states their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate decisions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legal document in which a person states their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate decisions.
A document that specifically covers refusal of life-sustaining or life-prolonging treatments; sometimes used more broadly to refer to advanced medical directives.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is understood and used in both variants. In the UK, the term 'advance decision' or 'advance directive' is more common in official legal/medical contexts, though 'living will' is widely understood. In the US, 'living will' is the standard legal term.
Connotations
Both carry the same formal, serious connotation related to end-of-life planning.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to its status as a standard legal term. In British English, 'advance decision' (under the Mental Capacity Act 2005) is the precise term, making 'living will' slightly less formal but still common.
Grammar
How to Use “living will” in a Sentence
[Subject] + created + a living will.[Subject] + specified + their wishes + in a living will.A living will + outlines + [treatment preferences].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “living will” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to living-will their treatment preferences. (VERY rare, non-standard)
American English
- He needs to living-will his end-of-life choices. (VERY rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- She attended a living-will information seminar. (compound modifier)
- The living-will legislation was updated.
American English
- We reviewed the living-will form from the hospital.
- They had a living-will consultation with a lawyer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in HR contexts discussing employee benefits or critical illness planning.
Academic
Common in medical ethics, law, nursing, and social science papers discussing patient autonomy and end-of-life care.
Everyday
Used in personal/family discussions about future planning, often with older adults or those with serious diagnoses.
Technical
Core term in legal, medical, and palliative care documentation and practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “living will”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “living will”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “living will”
- Using 'last will' instead of 'living will' (the former deals with property after death).
- Treating it as an informal note rather than a legal document.
- Confusing it with a 'power of attorney' (which appoints a decision-maker).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A living will (advance decision) states your specific treatment refusals. An LPA (or healthcare proxy in the US) appoints a person to make decisions for you. They can work together.
There is no specific age. It is advisable for any competent adult, especially before major surgery or if diagnosed with a serious illness. Younger adults may also create one as part of general life planning.
Laws vary by jurisdiction. In England and Wales, a valid advance decision to refuse treatment is legally binding under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In the US, state laws govern living wills, but all states recognise them. Specific formalities (witnessing, notarisation) may be required.
Yes, you can update or revoke your living will at any time while you have mental capacity, ideally in writing and by informing your doctor and family.
A legal document in which a person states their wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate decisions.
Living will is usually formal, medical, legal, administrative in register.
Living will: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪv.ɪŋ ˈwɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪv.ɪŋ ˈwɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'will' that is 'living' and active now, while you are alive, to control your medical future, unlike a traditional will which only acts after death.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DOCUMENT IS A VOICE (for when you cannot speak).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a living will?