activity of daily living

[ ak-tiv-i-tee uhv dey-lee liv-ing ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical

1. Usually activities of daily living. any of the routine tasks an individual must be capable of performing in order to function independently, as dressing, eating, moving around, and maintaining personal hygiene:

   While she was recovering from a broken hip, insurance paid for a home health aide to help her with activities of daily living.

Word History and Origins

Origin of activity of daily living¹

First recorded in 1945–50