variants
also life span
as in duration
the period during which something exists, lasts, or is in progress
I saw no need to pay more for a better-built computer that would just grow obsolete before the end of its lifespan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lifespan
Falcon Heavy may have a limited lifespan in the coming years as SpaceX continues to develop the new Starship and Super Heavy rocket, which would take over the heavy-lift responsibilities for Falcon Heavy.
—
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
But recent studies in yeast, flies and mice showed that relatively low doses of the drug often increase the creatures’ lifespans, prompting many longevity enthusiasts to start using it off-label to extend their lifespans.
—Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Yet while the typical lifespan has risen, healthy life expectancy — the number of years a person can live in full health — hasn’t kept pace.
—Bryan T. Kelly, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Storing your clothes properly can prevent damage, preserve their quality, and extend their lifespan.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
This design extends the product’s lifespan while reducing waste, offering a more sustainable alternative without adding complexity.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
That’s the difference between lifespan and healthspan.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
The damage may slash the structure’s expected 100-year lifespan and delay critical dismantling of the underlying Soviet-era sarcophagus, potentially escalating radiation risks.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
But recent studies in yeast, flies and mice showed that relatively low doses of the drug often increase the creatures’ lifespans, prompting many longevity enthusiasts to start using it off-label to extend their lifespans.
—Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2026
Yet while the typical lifespan has risen, healthy life expectancy — the number of years a person can live in full health — hasn’t kept pace.
—Bryan T. Kelly, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Storing your clothes properly can prevent damage, preserve their quality, and extend their lifespan.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
This design extends the product’s lifespan while reducing waste, offering a more sustainable alternative without adding complexity.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
That’s the difference between lifespan and healthspan.
—Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
The damage may slash the structure’s expected 100-year lifespan and delay critical dismantling of the underlying Soviet-era sarcophagus, potentially escalating radiation risks.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lifespan
Noun
-
Microgravity changes are affected somewhat by duration.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The campaign included a 300-second continuous burn, which is believed to have set the record for the longest duration hot firing of an RDRE engine to date.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nowadays, films with box-office appeal are audience-tested within an inch of their lives.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The Knicks made life difficult for him in the halfcourt, and once that happened, Atlanta’s offense kept running into dead ends.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As wedding season approaches, thoughts of popping the question intensify for those looking to go from just dating to the joyful vows of a lifetime together.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
For Harper, a breakout performance in Game 3 was a lifetime in the making.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Antonio Express-News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
O’Neal, the daughter of four-time NBA champion and Naismith Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, entered the portal April 14 after two seasons at UF; former head coach Kelly Rae Finley was fired by administration in March after five seasons at the helm.—
Caroline Makauskas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
During a 10-year stretch from 2012 to 2020, Rolando had 40 or more players in the program six times, peaking at 57 in 2012.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lifespan. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
