shelf life

[/ʃelf laɪf/]
nounpl: shelf lives
vida de prateleira
1. The length of time a product can be stored before it becomes unfit for use or sale, typically due to degradation, expiration, or spoilage
Milk has a short shelf life of about one week in the refrigerator.
O leite tem uma vida de prateleira curta de cerca de uma semana na geladeira.
2. The period during which a product maintains its quality, safety, or effectiveness when stored under proper conditions
Canned goods have a longer shelf life than fresh vegetables.
Alimentos enlatados têm uma vida de prateleira mais longa do que vegetais frescos.
3. The period of time before something becomes obsolete or loses relevance
In the technology industry, products often have a short shelf life before newer models emerge.
Na indústria de tecnologia, os produtos geralmente têm uma vida de prateleira curta antes que novos modelos apareçam.
In Brazil, 'prazo de validade' is the most commonly seen term on product packaging and in everyday consumer language, while 'vida de prateleira' is more technical and used in retail and food industry discussions. American supermarkets heavily emphasize shelf life for inventory management, while Brazilian markets also focus on 'data de vencimento' (expiration date) prominently displayed on products.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
expiration datedurability periodstorage lifeusable life
Antonyms / Antônimos
perishability

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vida de prateleira
Standard term used in retail and food industry contexts
General Brazilian
prazo de validade
Alternative term focusing on validity period, commonly used on product labels
São Paulo
vida útil
Used interchangeably, emphasizing useful lifespan
Portugal
vida útil em prateleira
More formal expression, less commonly used than Brazilian equivalents

Related Words

expiration datebest-by datedeteriorationpreservationstorage conditionsproduct longevity

Related Idioms & Phrases

have a short shelf life
extend the shelf life
limited shelf life
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