lifelong

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'lifelong' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has existed for the duration of someone's life or for a very long period of time. Example sentence: She has dedicated her life to research, and her commitment to learning is lifelong.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Tessa Jowell launches London mayoral bid with housebuilding pledge Jowell said: "Most mothers can form strong bonds with their children, but there are hundreds of children born every year in this city who are not born with that opportunity, and its consequences are lifelong.

The Guardian

From a family of lifelong Labour supporters, she emerged as a nationalist during last year's referendum campaign, giving up her job in the Pizza Mario chip shop to concentrate on politics.

The Guardian

Lawn laughs softly at the memory, an illustration of how this lifelong fan, whose first match was a 3-0 win over Southport in 1964, is retaining perspective despite a desperately trying period for him, his wife, Yvonne, and their five children.

The Guardian - Sport

Polio, a highly contagious viral disease that causes lifelong paralysis or even death, has been the target of massive education and child vaccination campaigns in several countries.

The Guardian

"Many births end in death or lifelong injury because there's a strong belief that nothing can be done to change this".

The Guardian

"[Mackintosh] was driven by a lifelong search for new forms in architecture and technology and was never a copyist," says Alan Dunlop, a Mack alumnus and professor of architecture at Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University.

The Guardian - Arts

Blatter described him as "a lifelong friend" after his death.

The Guardian - Sport

Stevens clung on until July 1999, aged 63, and entertained himself thereafter as rich peers do, playing golf - a lifelong passion - and making political mischief.

The Guardian

Chris Weir, 55, a former psychiatric nurse, said she too was a lifelong nationalist.: "We have been supporters of the SNP for a long time but this is about more than party politics," she said.

The Guardian

His lifelong passions for nature and architecture led to innumerable trips to the north Norfolk coast, visits to most of the churches and country homes in Norfolk, and a list of the types of trees planted along Norwich streets.

The Guardian

He and his lifelong friend Amrik Singh, also 79, have completed more than 1,000 races between them and acted as mentors to Fauja.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lifelong" to describe qualities, habits, or relationships that have persisted or are intended to persist for the entirety of someone's life. For example, "lifelong learning" or "lifelong commitment."

Common error

Avoid using "lifelong" to describe events or short-term situations. "Lifelong" implies a duration that spans an entire life, not just a significant portion or a prolonged period.

Linguistic Context

The term "lifelong" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate duration or persistence throughout a person's life. As noted by Ludwig, the word is correct and usable in written English, commonly used to describe enduring qualities, relationships, or commitments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that "lifelong" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe something that lasts for the duration of a life. It is very common, particularly in News & Media, where it emphasizes enduring qualities, commitments, or relationships. It conveys a sense of deep, sustained involvement, as demonstrated in the provided examples such as "lifelong friends" or "lifelong passion". While it's a versatile term, be mindful to use it accurately, focusing on situations that genuinely span an entire lifetime. Alternatives such as "lasting" or "enduring" may be more suitable for shorter durations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all one's life

Rephrases "lifelong" as the total sum of someone's years.

for life

A more literal phrase indicating something that continues as long as someone lives.

throughout life

Similar to "for life" but places more emphasis on the process or experience spanning the whole of someone's existence.

for the duration of one's life

A more formal and expanded way to express something lasting an entire lifetime.

womb-to-tomb

More figurative, emphasizes entire existence from birth to death.

lasting

Focuses on the enduring quality or impact rather than the duration of a life.

enduring

Highlights the ability to withstand time and remain relevant or significant.

permanent

Emphasizes the fixed and unchangeable nature of something.

long-term

Specifies a duration that extends far into the future but doesn't necessarily span a lifetime.

chronic

Often used in medical contexts to describe conditions that are persistent and ongoing.

FAQs

How can I use "lifelong" in a sentence?

You can use "lifelong" to describe something that lasts for the duration of a person's life, such as "a "lifelong friendship"" or "lifelong learning".

What are some synonyms for "lifelong"?

Some synonyms for "lifelong" include "lasting", "enduring", and "permanent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lifelong experience"?

Yes, "lifelong experience" is correct if you're referring to an experience that has lasted or significantly impacted someone throughout their entire life. Otherwise, consider using "long-term experience".

What is the difference between "lifelong" and "lifetime"?

"Lifelong" is an adjective describing something that lasts for a lifetime, while "lifetime" is a noun referring to the duration of a person's life. For example, "lifelong commitment" versus "a commitment for a lifetime".