Lifelong vs. Life-Long
“Lifelong” is the standard closed form in current dictionary use, while “life-long” is also recorded as a variant in some references. The open form is not treated as the default adjective.
Use “lifelong” as the normal modern adjective; “life-long” may appear as a documented variant.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| normal modern adjective | lifelong | Use the closed form as the default. |
| documented variant in a source or house style | life-long | Retain only when the governing style deliberately uses it. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you need the normal modern adjective?
If yes: Use “lifelong.”
If no: Use “life-long” only when source fidelity or house style calls for that documented variant.
Caveat: This is a spelling/style distinction rather than a difference in core meaning.
Examples
She has been a lifelong reader.
The closed adjective is the normal modern form.
They formed a lifelong friendship.
The standard adjective is one word.
The archive preserves the older spelling “life-long.”
A hyphenated variant may be retained for source fidelity.
Further guidance
Core difference
The ordinary dictionary headword is the closed adjective “lifelong.”
Usage Boundary
If a publication’s house style retains “life-long,” follow that style consistently; otherwise prefer the closed form.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Lifelong — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence for lifelong and documented life-long variant