life span

noun

1. the longest period over which the life of any organism or species may extend, according to the available biological knowledge concerning it.
2. the longevity of an individual.

life span

noun

1. the period of time during which a human being, animal, machine, etc, may be expected to live or function under normal conditions

Word History and Origins

Origin of life span¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“But this bridge deck replacement project needs to be done. ... The bridge deck has met its life span.”

From Los Angeles Times

The females behave more like males, but this also reduces their life span and reproductive output.

From Salon

Another key problem the report identified is neglect of NASA’s facilities, 83% of which have exceeded their designed life span.

From Los Angeles Times

Now one expert has told BBC Scotland News he expects the bridge will comfortably exceed its 120 year life span.

From BBC

"The main problem that autistic people and their families face is the lack of support and resources across the life span, but Kennedy condemns the 'crippling' cost of providing disabled students with access to education, using an ableist slur to complain about resources that were fought-for by generations of disabled people and their families," Silberman told Salon.

From Salon