life-span

The average human life-span is around 80 years.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The maximum duration of existence: "life-span" refers to the length of time that an individual, organism, or object is expected to live or function, typically measured from birth or creation to death or end of use.
   • A period of active or useful life: In a broader sense, "life-span" can denote the typical duration during which something remains effective, relevant, or operational.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The average human life-span has increased significantly over the past century. (The maximum expected duration of human life.)
  • The life-span of a typical smartphone is about three to five years. (The period of useful operation before replacement.)
  • Scientists study the life-span of different species to understand aging. (The maximum duration of existence for organisms.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a limited life-span": to be expected to exist or function for only a short time.

  • Many electronic devices have a limited life-span due to planned obsolescence. (They are designed to become outdated or fail after a set period.)

• "life-span extension": the process of increasing the maximum duration of life, often through medical or technological advances.

  • Research into life-span extension focuses on slowing the aging process. (Efforts to make organisms live longer.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lifespan (n): an alternative spelling, used interchangeably with "life-span".

  • The lifespan of a butterfly is often very short. (The duration of its life.)

• Long-lived (adj): having a long life-span.

  • Tortoises are known for being long-lived animals. (They have an extended life-span.)

• Short-lived (adj): having a brief life-span.

  • The excitement was short-lived after the announcement. (It lasted only a short time.)

Synonyms

• Duration: the length of time something lasts.
• Longevity: the fact of living a long time, often used for individuals.
• Lifetime: the entire period of a person's or thing's existence.

Related Idioms

• A new lease on life: a renewed period of activity or usefulness, often implying an extended life-span.

  • After the repairs, the old car got a new lease on life. (It gained an extended period of useful operation.)

• The sands of time: a poetic reference to the limited life-span of a person or thing.

  • The sands of time are running out for the ancient building. (Its existence is nearing its end.)