life-sustaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "life-sustaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential for maintaining life or survival, often in medical or biological contexts. Example: "The doctors provided life-sustaining treatment to the patient in critical condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

VSED can thus be considered as a waiver of life-sustaining measures and it is a legal method like pain management or forgoing life-sustaining therapy [ 20].

BMC Palliative Care

Complete datasets of 38 cases of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment were recorded (75% of total PICU deaths, 95% of deaths following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment).

BMC Pediatrics

Goodbye life-sustaining concentration.

The New York Times

Coke and Pepsi are not life-sustaining.

The Economist

It's basically something that's not life-sustaining.

The Economist

But it wasn't a life-sustaining diet".

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Life sustaining treatment limitation was a frequent recourse's reason (9.4%).

Annals of Intensive Care

In 23 % limitation of life sustaining therapy was decided.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Data regarding the transplant, infections and life sustaining therapy use were analyzed.

Annals of Intensive Care

Life sustaining treatment limitation is a frequent reason for ICU recourse.

Annals of Intensive Care

Introduction: Discontinuation of life sustaining treatments (LST) is an accepted approach for certain ICU patients.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical interventions or end-of-life care, use "life-sustaining" to clearly convey the purpose of the treatment in maintaining the patient's life.

Common error

Avoid using "life-sustaining" when the focus is on improving a patient's comfort or overall well-being, rather than strictly prolonging life. If the intervention enhances comfort without necessarily extending lifespan, consider terms like "comfort care" or "palliative care" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "life-sustaining" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that maintains or supports life. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates something essential for maintaining life or survival, often in medical or biological contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "life-sustaining" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective that describes something essential for maintaining life. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify nouns, specifying their life-preserving qualities, particularly in medical and scientific contexts. While "life-sustaining" is often used in medical or scientific contexts it is also used frequently in News & Media, with sources like The New York Times, The Economist and Intensive Care Medicine Experimental. When employing this term, remember to distinguish it from concepts related to quality of life, focusing instead on interventions strictly prolonging life. Alternatives like "life-supporting", "vital for survival", or "essential for living" can provide nuanced variations for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life-supporting

Focuses on the action of supporting life, similar to sustaining but emphasizes the active support.

vital for survival

Highlights the importance for continued existence, changing the structure to emphasize necessity.

essential for living

Emphasizes the fundamental requirements for life, slightly broader in scope.

necessary for existence

Similar to vital, stresses the need for something to continue existing.

critical for life

Highlights the importance and potential danger if lacking, adding a sense of urgency.

indispensable for survival

Stresses the non-replaceable nature of what is being described.

fundamental to life

Highlights the basic or foundational aspect of sustaining life.

crucial for sustenance

Focuses on providing what is needed to maintain life, particularly through nourishment.

maintaining existence

Describes the active process of keeping something alive.

supporting vitality

Focuses on enhancing life force and energy.

FAQs

How is "life-sustaining" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "life-sustaining" describes treatments or interventions necessary to keep a patient alive, such as mechanical ventilation, dialysis, or artificial nutrition.

What are some alternatives to saying "life-sustaining"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "life-supporting", "vital for survival", or "essential for living".

What does it mean to withhold or withdraw "life-sustaining" treatment?

Withholding "life-sustaining" treatment means not starting such treatment, while withdrawing it means stopping treatment that has already begun. These decisions are often made based on a patient's wishes or best interests, especially in end-of-life care.

What is a Physician Order for "Life-Sustaining" Treatment (POLST)?

A POLST is a legal document that specifies a patient's wishes regarding "life-sustaining" treatments, such as resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and artificial nutrition. It ensures that medical professionals honor these wishes.