survivorship

noun

sur·​vi·​vor·​ship sər-ˈvī-vər-ˌship 

1

: the legal right of the survivor of persons having joint interests in property to take the interest of the person who has died

2

: the state of being a survivor : survival

3

: the probability of surviving to a particular age

also : the number or proportion of survivors (as of an age group or population)

Examples of survivorship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Death rates are down by a third between 1991 and 2021, according to the report, which shares the latest data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survivorship as well as updates on cancer research. —Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 18 Sep. 2024

Thus, in 1995, the Arizona Legislature adopted legislation for married couples to be able to take title to a home as community property with right of survivorship. —Christopher A. Combs, The Arizona Republic, 3 Sep. 2024

The rising rates also raise questions about what happens to younger patients in survivorship. —Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

Cancer death rates have dropped – and survivorship has gone up – in every U.S. state and territory during the period studied. —Andre Mouchard, Orange County Register, 28 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

survivorship

noun

sur·​vi·​vor·​ship -ˈvī-vər-ˌship 

1

: the state of being a survivor

quality of life in long-term survivorship (five years or longer) of patients who have experienced breast cancer

2

: the probability of surviving to a particular age

also : the number or proportion of survivors (as of an age group)

Legal Definition

survivorship

noun

sur·​vi·​vor·​ship

1

: the right of one or more joint tenants who have survived another to take the interest of the person who has died

2

: the state of being a survivor