In this paper, we first study a new two parameter lifetime distribution. This distribution includes “monotone” and “non-monotone” hazard rate functions which are useful in lifetime data analysis and reliability. Some of its mathematical properties including explicit expressions for the ordinary and incomplete moments, generating function, Renyi entropy, δ-entropy, order statistics and probability weighted moments are derived. Non-Bayesian estimation methods such as the maximum likelihood, Cramer-Von-Mises, percentile estimation, and L-moments are used for estimating the model parameters. The importance and flexibility of the new distribution are illustrated by means of two applications to real data sets. Using the approach of the Bagdonavicius–Nikulin goodness-of-fit test for the right censored validation, we then propose and apply a modified chi-square goodness-of-fit test for the Burr X Weibull model