quality of life

noun phrase

: overall enjoyment of life : general well-being
… the male characters on the show not only have a better chance of survival; they're also more likely to improve their quality of life through friendship.—Juliet Lapidos
specifically : the degree to which a person or group is healthy, comfortable, and able to enjoy the activities of daily living
Migraine is a common disorder that can severely affect patients' quality of life and daily function. —New England Journal of Medicine
—often hyphenated when used before another noun
A number of recent surveys have identified noise as New York City's greatest quality-of-life issue. —Tom Vanderbilt
—abbreviation QOL

Examples of quality of life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Torres warned that the billboards' light would harm the quality of life for residents in nearby high-rises. — Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The research suggests there may be downsides to hyperfixating on your blood sugar levels for your overall quality of life. — Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 13 Oct. 2026 Overall, physical activity was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, mood, and quality of life — but the findings varied by exercise type. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2026 These are investments that strengthen neighborhoods, protect our quality of life, and help preserve property values. — Neil Kerch, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quality of life

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quality of life was in 1943

Rhymes for quality of life

See All Rhymes for quality of life

Browse Nearby Words

quality magazine
quality of life
quality point
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Cite this Entry

“Quality of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quality%20of%20life. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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