Methods, devices, and computer-readable media for multi-task based lifelong learning. A method for lifelong learning includes identifying a new task for a machine learning model to perform. The machine learning model trained to perform an existing task. The method includes adaptively training a network architecture of the machine learning model to generate an adapted machine learning model based on incorporating inherent correlations between the new task and the existing task. The method further includes using the adapted machine learning model to perform both the existing task and the new task.