lifetime
From birth onward
A lifetime is the duration of a person's existence from birth to death: He devoted his lifetime to scientific research.
By extension, it applies to the useful duration of anything—a product's lifetime, a star's lifetime.
The phrase once in a lifetime describes rare opportunities: a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
As a modifier, lifetime indicates something lasting for life: a lifetime membership, a lifetime warranty, a lifetime achievement award.
Informally, a very long wait feels like a lifetime: It took a lifetime to get through security.
Longing for the past
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- recollectionsRetrieved past experiences
- photographsLight-captured images
- albumsBound music collections
keepsakes · mementos · souvenirs · scrapbook · memorabilia · flashbacks · childhood · youth
Distance between endpoints
extent · course · period · interval · timeframe · chronology · continuity · permanence
Extended adventurous journey
- questSeeking journey for something
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- voyageJourney by sea
- adventureRisky exciting undertaking
path · trajectory · arc · narrative · story · evolution · transformation · growth
Coming into the world
- graduationCompleting academic requirements formally
- marriageFormal union between partners
- parenthoodState of having children
- retirementLeaving the workforce permanently
coming-of-age · baptism · quinceañera · homeownership · promotion · grandparenthood · anniversary · midlife
Inherited cultural legacy
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- bequestGift left by will
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- traditionCustom passed through generations
descendants · testament · philanthropy · estate · memorial · monument · foundation · dynasty
Dedicated career path
- professionTrained occupational field
- occupationOne's regular paid work
- employmentPaid occupation status
- callingStrongly felt purpose
achievements · expertise · skills · advancement · tenure · dedication · accomplishments · specialization
Formal promise of fulfillment
- coverageExtent of inclusion
- protectionGuarding against harm
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
- extendedLengthened in time or space
unlimited · manufacturer · durable · quality · commitment · service · reliability · carefree
Likelihood of occurrence
- dreamSleeping mind's narrative
- rareSeldom found or seen
- uniqueOnly one exists
- unforgettablePermanently fixed in memory
pinnacle · crowning · experience · seize · cherish · momentous · extraordinary · irreplaceable
nostalgia
Longing for the past
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- recollectionsRetrieved past experiences
- photographsLight-captured images
albums · keepsakes · mementos · souvenirs · scrapbook · memorabilia · flashbacks · childhood · youth · moments
span
Distance between endpoints
length · extent · course · period · interval · timeframe · chronology · continuity · permanence · transience
odyssey
Extended adventurous journey
- questSeeking journey for something
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- voyageJourney by sea
adventure · path · trajectory · arc · narrative · story · evolution · transformation · growth · progression
birth
Coming into the world
- graduationCompleting academic requirements formally
- marriageFormal union between partners
- parenthoodState of having children
retirement · coming-of-age · baptism · quinceañera · homeownership · promotion · grandparenthood · anniversary · midlife · centenary
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- bequestGift left by will
- heirloomInherited family treasure
tradition · descendants · testament · philanthropy · estate · memorial · monument · foundation · dynasty · impact
vocation
Dedicated career path
- professionTrained occupational field
- occupationOne's regular paid work
- employmentPaid occupation status
calling · achievements · expertise · skills · advancement · tenure · dedication · accomplishments · specialization · mastery
guarantee
Formal promise of fulfillment
- coverageExtent of inclusion
- protectionGuarding against harm
- assuranceFirm promise or certainty
extended · unlimited · manufacturer · durable · quality · commitment · service · reliability · carefree · promise
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
unforgettable · pinnacle · crowning · experience · seize · cherish · momentous · extraordinary · irreplaceable
- compound wordsbookmark, breakdown, sunlight, breakup, snowflake
- extended periodyear, decade, century, millennium, era
- lifespaninfancy, lifecycle, childhood, adolescence, adulthood
- subscription termsmonthly, gold tier, annual, yearly, VIP access
- time periodsday, year, month, week, hour
- time spanssecond, minute, hour, day, week
- once in a lifetimeOccurring only one time
- lifetime jobPermanent, secure employment