English Reference
Noun

midlife

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmɪdˌɫaɪf/ UK /mˈɪdlaɪf/ midlife

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.


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.

You can share your story of midlife reinvention.

NPR· 4 Sept 2026

Suddenly midlife women were the subject of both nonfiction and fiction, not to mention articles and podcasts such as The Shift.

The Guardian· 18 Jul 2026

From mid- + life.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated