English Reference
Adjective

lifelong

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ˈɫaɪˈfɫɔŋ/ UK /lˈaɪflɒŋ/ life·long

adj.lasting for your whole life. You use this to describe a habit, a feeling, or a relationship that never ends.

adj.lasting or continuing through the entire duration of an individual's life. Often used to modify nouns representing personal commitments, interests, or relationships.


SIMPLE

She has a lifelong passion for classical music.

CONTEXTUAL

The two scientists maintained a lifelong friendship after meeting during their first year of university.

COMPLEX

The university's mission statement emphasizes the importance of fostering a lifelong commitment to learning that extends far beyond the completion of a formal degree.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective, appearing before the noun it modifies.

Aimed at people with lifelong and severe disabilities, NDIS was created to ensure disabled Australians had greater independence and an improved quality of life.

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026

That choice – the cowardice of it – and its lifelong repercussions for her daughters may never have come fully to light were it not for the persistence of several journalists, Aviv included.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From life + -long.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated