# lifespan

/ˈɫaɪfˌspæn/ (US) · /lˈaɪfspæn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lifespan
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. biological life

noun · CEFR B2

the length of time that a person, animal, or plant usually lives.

For teachers: the period of time between the birth and death of a biological organism.

- The average lifespan of a domestic cat is around fifteen years.
- Advances in medical technology and public health have significantly extended the human lifespan in most developed nations over the last century.

### 2. functional duration

noun · CEFR B2

the length of time that a machine or product stays useful or works correctly.

For teachers: the period during which an inanimate object, system, or concept remains functional, valid, or relevant.

- Using the wrong charger can shorten the lifespan of your phone battery.
- The architectural firm designed the bridge with a projected lifespan of one hundred years, accounting for both material fatigue and rising sea levels.

## Examples

- The average lifespan of a domestic cat is fifteen years.
- Engineers are looking for ways to extend the lifespan of the bridge by using rust-resistant materials.
- Advances in medical technology and improved sanitation have significantly increased the human lifespan over the last century, though regional disparities in healthcare access remain a critical concern.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.