lifecycle
LYFE-sy-kuhl
/ˈlaɪfˌsaɪ.kəl/
The series of stages through which a product, organism, or system passes from its creation or inception to its end.
In circular economics, it emphasizes assessing all environmental impacts 'cradle-to-grave' or 'cradle-to-cradle'.
The story behind the word. A mid-20th century compound combining 'life' with 'cycle' (from Greek kyklos). Originally used in biological descriptions of organism metamorphosis, it was adopted in the 1960s by chemical engineers to calculate total material inputs and waste flows across product lifetimes.
Word relationships
- lifespan: Lifespan refers strictly to duration of life or operation; lifecycle includes all developmental stages and transitions.
- trajectory: Trajectory implies a path, whereas lifecycle emphasizes sequential phases and circular renewal.
Commonly confused with
- shelf-life: Shelf-life is how long a product remains sellable in storage, while lifecycle spans raw extraction to disposal.
Word family
- lifecycles (noun): Plural form of lifecycle.
Collocations
- lifecycle assessment
- product lifecycle
- lifecycle emissions
Example sentences
- "A complete lifecycle assessment revealed that manufacturing solar panels creates more carbon emissions than operating them." Environmental Assessment
- "Designers extended the product lifecycle by ensuring replacement parts remained available for fifteen years." Product Engineering
Memory hook
LIFE + CYCLE: The circle that every living thing or product travels. From cradle back to cradle.
When not to use
Avoid using to refer to isolated, static moments in time that ignore temporal progression.
Fun facts
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was originally pioneered by the Coca-Cola Company in 1969 to compare beverage container materials.
Related words
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