B2noun2K

Lifetime

UK /["/ˈlaɪftaɪm/"]/US /["/ˈlaɪftaɪm/"]/

Definition

the length of time that somebody lives or that something lasts

In simple words: The length of time someone lives or something lasts.

Examples

  • She has dedicated her lifetime to studying rare plants.
  • The company offers a lifetime warranty on all their products.
  • During his lifetime, he published over fifty books.
  • The lifetime of a typical smartphone battery is about two years.
  • He received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to science.
  • They made a lifetime commitment to each other.
  • This museum pass grants you lifetime access to all exhibits.
  • Some plants have a very short lifetime, lasting only a few days.

Usage notes

Use 'lifetime' to describe the duration of a person's life, a period of existence, or the duration of an object or concept. It's suitable for both spoken and written English. Avoid using 'lifetime' in very casual conversations where simpler terms like 'time' or 'years' may suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'life' and 'time' together — your life lasts for a certain time.

Collocations

  • long
  • short
  • entire
  • devote
  • spend
  • take (somebody)
  • achievement
  • appointment
  • employment
  • after a lifetime
  • during somebody’s lifetime
  • in your lifetime
  • the habits of a lifetime
  • a legend in your own lifetime
  • half a lifetime

Synonyms

  • existence
  • lifetime span
  • duration
  • time frame

Antonyms

  • short-lived
  • temporary
  • ephemeral

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'life span' — 'lifetime' refers to the duration more broadly.
  • Using 'lifetime' to describe specific events instead of overall duration.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing to 'lifetime's'.