ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam 2025 - Free ITIL 4 Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that describes the full set of stages in the life of a service is "lifecycle." In the context of ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), the service lifecycle encompasses all phases that a service goes through from its initial conception through to its retirement. This includes stages such as service design, service transition, service operation, and continual service improvement. Each stage is crucial for ensuring that the service meets business needs and user requirements effectively.

The concept of a service portfolio, while related, refers to the complete collection of services managed by a service provider, including those in development, in operation, and retired services, rather than the specific stages of a single service's lifecycle. An operational framework usually outlines how to achieve specific operations effectively but does not encapsulate the various phases of a service's existence. Management strategy involves overarching goals and approaches for managing resources and services but does not specifically define the life stages of an individual service. Thus, "lifecycle" is the most accurate term for this context.