What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lifer
Example
The lifer was denied parole for the third time. [lifer: noun]
Example
He was sentenced to life in prison and became a lifer at the age of 25. [lifer: adjective]
prisoner
Example
The prisoner was released after serving ten years for armed robbery. [prisoner: noun]
Example
She was taken into custody and became a prisoner of the state. [prisoner: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prisoner is a more common word than lifer in everyday language, as it is a broader term that can refer to anyone who is incarcerated. Lifer is a more specific term that is primarily used in legal and law enforcement contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lifer and prisoner?
Both lifer and prisoner are formal words that are typically used in legal and law enforcement contexts. However, prisoner is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while lifer is less commonly used in everyday language.
