lifetime
gb/lˈaɪftˌaɪm/ us/lˈaɪftˌaɪm/
A2
English
~ 4800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
quantity
1
Entire span of a person's life
The whole time that someone is alive.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s lifetime
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'lifetime' with 'lifespan'. 'Lifetime' is often used for people and can be more personal or emotional, while 'lifespan' is more neutral or scientific.
Synonyms
lifespan (Often used for both people and animals; slightly more scientific in tone.)
Antonyms
moment (Refers to a very short period of time, the opposite of an entire life span.)
Collocations
in my lifetime
|during his lifetime
|over a lifetime
|average lifetime
Themes
daily life
|time
|personal
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She achieved more in her lifetime than many do in several.
- He collected stamps throughout his lifetime.
- During her lifetime, she traveled to over 50 countries.
- My grandfather saw many changes over his lifetime.
- The invention changed the course of his lifetime.
Learner examples
- He worked hard all his lifetime.
- She met many people in her lifetime.
- In my lifetime, I have seen big changes.
- They were friends for a lifetime.
Noun
B1
quantity
2
Time something remains usable
The time something can be used before it stops working well.
Usage pattern:
[something]'s lifetime
Synonyms
service life ('Service life' is more technical and often used in engineering contexts.)
Antonyms
failure ('Failure' marks the end of usefulness, the opposite of the usable period.)
Collocations
battery lifetime
|product lifetime
|system lifetime
|service lifetime
Themes
technology
|products
|time
Examples
- The battery has a lifetime of about five years.
- Regular maintenance can extend the lifetime of your car.
- This paint offers a longer lifetime than standard brands.
- The software's lifetime is expected to be at least a decade.
Learner examples
- This phone has a short battery lifetime.
- Good care will make the bike's lifetime longer.
- The light bulb has a long lifetime.
Noun
B1
event
3
Once-in-a-life opportunity
A very special chance that you will probably have only once in your life.
Usage pattern:
[a/an] lifetime [opportunity/experience]
Synonyms
once-in-a-lifetime chance ('Once-in-a-lifetime' is a fixed phrase emphasizing rarity.)
Antonyms
everyday occurrence ('Everyday occurrence' refers to something ordinary and frequent, opposite of rare.)
Collocations
a lifetime opportunity
|a lifetime experience
|a trip of a lifetime
Themes
experiences
|personal
|opportunity
|time
|daily_life
Examples
- Winning that scholarship was the opportunity of a lifetime.
- Climbing Mount Everest was truly the experience of a lifetime.
- Meeting the president was a lifetime moment for her.
Learner examples
- This trip is the chance of a lifetime.
- It was the best day of my lifetime.
- Meeting my hero was a lifetime experience.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lifetime
IPA
GB/lˈaɪftˌaɪm/
US/lˈaɪftˌaɪm/
Syllables & stress
life - time (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (life)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: lifetime
- Plural: lifetimes
Word family
Expressions
(the) chance of a lifetime
1/ðə t͡ʃˈæns əv ə lˈaɪftˌaɪm/
fixed phrase
(Best) rare opportunity ever
(The) best and rarest chance you will have in your life.
Examples
- "Getting that internship was the chance of a lifetime for her career."
- "Winning the competition gave him the chance of a lifetime to perform on stage."
(the) experience of a lifetime
1/ðə ɪkspˈɪɹiəns əv ə lˈaɪftˌaɪm/
fixed phrase
(the) experience of a lifetime
(the) experience of a lifetime
once in a lifetime
1/wˈʌns ˈɪn ə lˈaɪftˌaɪm/
fixed phrase
Happens only once ever
Happening only one time in your whole life.
Examples
- "This concert is a once in a lifetime event," said the promoter.
- "Traveling to Antarctica was a once in a lifetime experience for me."