Word
lifeline
Phoneticslife·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪˌfɫaɪn/
UK/lˈaɪflaɪn/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that helps you survive or succeed when you are in a very difficult situation. It can be a person, a service, or a piece of equipment that saves you.
n. a source of vital assistance or support that enables survival or continued operation during a crisis. In its literal sense, refers to a rope or line used for saving life at sea.
Examples
“The government grant was a lifeline for the small business.”
“For many elderly residents living in remote areas, the local bus service is a vital lifeline to the nearest pharmacy.”
“The emergency credit facility provided a necessary lifeline to the bank, preventing a total collapse of liquidity while the board negotiated a more permanent restructuring plan.”
Examples
simple
“The government grant was a lifeline for the small business.”
contextual
“For many elderly residents living in remote areas, the local bus service is a vital lifeline to the nearest pharmacy.”
complex
“The emergency credit facility provided a necessary lifeline to the bank, preventing a total collapse of liquidity while the board negotiated a more permanent restructuring plan.”
Usage
Often used metaphorically with the preposition 'to' or 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“The ferry served as a vital lifeline for remote fishing communities along the lake, connecting them to food supplies, markets and essential services.” “Many survivors told me they consider the organization’s semiannual conferences to be a lifeline.” Etymology
From life + line.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/lifeline