longevity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'longevity' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a noun and can refer to the length of time something lasts, or a person's long life. For example, "Her parents have enjoyed a long and happy marriage, a testament to the longevity of their love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A second later, down the line, he heard the nurses asking: "Where?" It says much for Spall's bloody-minded longevity that I have to refresh my memory on all the roles he's embodied.

The Guardian - Film

One of the secrets of longevity is said to be an active interest in life.

The Guardian

"As to the investment made in the past six months, it doesn't have any longevity beyond Ebola.

The Guardian

What we've said is that any major decisions will probably be based on longevity and we would want to ensure that we could retain our status in the Premier League".

The Guardian - Sport

Much like a marriage, the intention of every managerial appointment is to form a union based on respect, success and longevity.

The Guardian - Sport

By 2030, they forecast, women will live to 87.6 years (one year more than the Office for National Statistics expects) and, most significantly, men will live to 85.7 years (2.4 years more, closing sharply the longevity gender gap).

The Guardian

Matthews probably owed his longevity in part to his lifestyle: he was a non-smoking teetotaller.

The Guardian - Sport

Viktor Korchnoi has set another longevity landmark by winning last month's Swiss championship in Grachen at age 78.

The Guardian - Sport

It says everything about the Argentinian's longevity at Palace that Moses, now of Chelsea, was 13 when Speroni arrived in south London.

The Guardian - Sport

The job is not traditionally designed to last longer than a couple of years; what's remarkable about Moyles's reign has been his longevity and ability to deliver massive audiences to a station often in a state of flux, in the face of fierce competition – both external and from within the BBC itself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ross Tucker, the professor of exercise physiology at University of the Free State in South Africa, puts it this way: "Gatlin has a peculiar longevity.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or personal life, use "longevity" to refer to the length of a person's life. For objects or concepts, consider alternatives like "durability" or "permanence".

Common error

Avoid using "longevity" to describe statistical projections of how long a person is expected to live. Use "life expectancy" for such predictions, reserving "longevity" to describe actual extended lifespans or the quality of being long-lasting.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "longevity" is as a noun. It represents the quality of being long-lasting, particularly referring to the length of a person's life or the lifespan of an object or concept. As Ludwig AI indicates, this term is generally regarded as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Sport

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longevity" functions primarily as a noun denoting the quality of being long-lasting. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English, and its prevalence across diverse sources such as news, business, and scientific publications underscores its versatility. While synonyms like "long life" and "durability" exist, understanding the subtle differences in their connotations is key to precise writing. Keep in mind that "longevity" is best used to describe actual lifespans, reserving "life expectancy" for statistical projections. By avoiding this common error and adhering to the best practices, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "longevity" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long life

Replaces the abstract noun with a simpler noun phrase emphasizing the length of life.

extended lifespan

Highlights the duration of life, similar to longevity, using 'lifespan' instead.

long duration

Focuses on the length of time something exists or lasts.

durability

Emphasizes the ability to endure or last for a long time, often used for objects or systems.

permanence

Indicates something that lasts indefinitely or for a very long time.

long-lasting nature

Expresses the characteristic of something that continues for a considerable period.

length of existence

Describes the total time that something has been in existence.

sustained existence

Highlights the continuous presence or survival over a prolonged period.

continued survival

Emphasizes the act of remaining alive or in existence.

years of service

Often used in professional contexts to denote the length of time someone has worked for an organization.

FAQs

How is "longevity" typically used in a sentence?

"Longevity" is used as a noun to describe the length of time something lasts, especially a person's life. For instance, "The "longevity of this product" is due to its high-quality materials."

What are some synonyms for "longevity"?

Alternatives to "longevity" include "long life", "extended lifespan", or "durability", depending on the specific context. For instance, you might speak of the durability of a machine rather than its longevity.

Is it correct to use "longevity" to refer to an object's lifespan?

Yes, "longevity" can refer to the lifespan of an object, indicating its ability to last for a long time. However, alternatives like "durability" or "lifespan" might be more appropriate depending on the object and the context.

What factors contribute to human "longevity"?

Factors that contribute to human "longevity" include genetics, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise, and access to quality healthcare. These elements can collectively influence a person's long life.