ADJ
long
She spent a long lifetime working as a nurse and helping thousands of patients.
short
A short lifetime meant she had to choose her career path very carefully.
entire, whole
VERB + LIFETIME
devote, spend
She spent her lifetime helping people in her community.
take (sb)
Learning to master a musical instrument can take a lifetime of dedication and practice.
last (sb)
My grandmother's diamond ring will last me a lifetime.
seem (like)
Waiting for the test results seemed like a lifetime, though it was only two weeks.
LIFETIME + NOUN
achievement
The famous scientist received a lifetime achievement award for her groundbreaking discoveries.
employment, income
She worked in lifetime employment at the same company for forty years.
lifetime's experience, lifetime's work
PREP
after a ~
After a lifetime of hard work, she finally decided to take things easier and enjoy her retirement.
during your ~
Technology has transformed how we work during our lifetime.
in your ~
She accomplished more in her lifetime than most people do in several generations.
of a ~
She saved money for years to take the trip of a lifetime to Japan.
~ in
My grandfather dedicated his entire lifetime in the military before retiring.
~ of
She spent a lifetime of hard work building her family's business from nothing.
PHRASES
the habits of a lifetime
Breaking the habits of a lifetime takes patience and real commitment to change.
half a lifetime, a legend in your own lifetime
She spent half a lifetime building the family business before finally retiring.
a lifetime ago/away
When I was young, those summer holidays felt a lifetime away.
once in a lifetime
Winning the lottery would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people.