Word
midlife
US/ˈmɪdˌɫaɪf/
UK/mˈɪdlaɪf/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the middle period of your life, usually between the ages of 40 and 60. It is a time when many people think about their past and what they want for the future.
n. the middle stage of an adult life, typically spanning the fourth to sixth decades. Often associated with a period of reflection or significant life changes.
Examples
“Many people experience a sense of change during midlife.”
“The documentary explores how people navigate career shifts and family responsibilities during midlife.”
“Sociologists often study midlife as a transitional phase where individuals may reassess their professional achievements and personal identities in light of their aging parents.”
Examples
simple
“Many people experience a sense of change during midlife.”
contextual
“The documentary explores how people navigate career shifts and family responsibilities during midlife.”
complex
“Sociologists often study midlife as a transitional phase where individuals may reassess their professional achievements and personal identities in light of their aging parents.”
Real-World Examples
“You can share your story of midlife reinvention.” “Suddenly midlife women were the subject of both nonfiction and fiction, not to mention articles and podcasts such as The Shift.” Etymology
From mid- + life.
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.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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/midlife