Word
lifelong
Phoneticslife·long, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪˈfɫɔŋ/
UK/lˈaɪflɒŋ/
Definition
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.
Examples
“She has a lifelong passion for classical music.”
“The two scientists maintained a lifelong friendship after meeting during their first year of university.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lifelong” in context.
Verb
01. form a lifelong bond
“The soldiers formed a lifelong bond during their time serving together overseas.”
verb + adj + noun
02. fulfill a lifelong dream
“He traveled to Antarctica to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing penguins in the wild.”
verb + adj + noun
03. remain lifelong partners
“Despite their professional differences, they remained lifelong partners in their business ventures.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
04. lifelong ambition
“She finally achieved her lifelong ambition of becoming a commercial pilot.”
adj + noun
05. lifelong commitment
“Marriage is often viewed as a lifelong commitment to one's partner.”
adj + noun
06. lifelong friend
“They have been lifelong friends since they first met in kindergarten.”
adj + noun
07. lifelong learning
“The university promotes lifelong learning by offering courses for all ages.”
adj + noun
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective, appearing before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Aimed at people with lifelong and severe disabilities, NDIS was created to ensure disabled Australians had greater independence and an improved quality of life.” “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.” Etymology
From life + -long.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/lifelong