once-in-a-lifetime
|once/in/a/life/time|
B2
/wʌns ɪn ə ˈlaɪfˌtaɪm/
rare opportunity
Etymology
Etymology Information
The phrase 'once-in-a-lifetime' is a compound adjective formed from the words 'once,' 'in,' 'a,' and 'lifetime.'
Historical Evolution
The phrase has been used in English since the 20th century to describe rare opportunities or events.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'an event that happens only once in a person's life,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing an event or opportunity that is very rare and unlikely to happen again.
Winning the lottery is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/15 20:06