WordGarden.iolifespan
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈaɪfspæn/
US
- /ˈlaɪfˌspæn/
Meanings
Noun
the length of time that a living thing or object lasts
Beyond the definition
It is not just about how old something gets, but about the total length of its existence. We often think of it in terms of people: a human life is often around 80 years, more or less. But it also applies to many other things. A mayfly might live for only a day, while an ancient bristlecone pine can live for thousands of years. The idea also reaches beyond living things; a bridge, a company, or even a trend can each have a beginning and an end. Understanding this idea helps us see how different the length of existence can be from one thing to another.
Lifespan refers to the length of time that something is expected to live or last. It is most often used when talking about people and animals, as in "The average human lifespan has increased over the past century," but it is also a flexible term. It is not just about reaching a certain age; it covers the full stretch from birth, or creation, to death, failure, or obsolescence.
Consider a lightbulb: its lifespan is measured in hours of use until it burns out. A political movement might have a short but important lifespan, rising quickly and fading away. Even ideas can have lifespans, with some lasting for centuries and others being replaced much sooner.
The term often carries emotional weight when it is used for living beings. We talk about extending someone's lifespan through medical care or feeling sadness over one that was cut short. It is also used in science to study aging and longevity across different species. Researchers might compare the lifespans of different animals to better understand how they have adapted over time.
So, whether you are thinking about your own mortality, looking at historical trends, or simply replacing a burned-out bulb, remember that everything has a lifespan: a limited period of existence that helps shape its story and meaning.
Examples
- 1
Pet size
A small dog often has a longer lifespan than a very large dog.
- 2
Species average
The average lifespan of this species is about twelve years.
- 3
Healthy habits
Good nutrition and regular exercise can help extend a person's lifespan.
- 4
Battery life
The battery has a lifespan of around five years.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Furniture quality
Cheap furniture usually has a shorter lifespan than well-made furniture.
- 6
Policy duration
The policy had a short lifespan and was replaced after six months.
See also
Similar
- lifetime
- life span
Shades of meaning
- longevity
- service life
- shelf life
Contrast
Do not confuse
- life expectancy
Used with (collocations)
- average lifespan
- maximum lifespan
- extend the lifespan
- lifespan of a product
Explore
- life cycle
- senescence
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lifespannoun
Forms
- lifespanspluralnoun