short-lived

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˈlivd 

also

-ˈlīvd 

: not living or lasting long

short-lived insects

short-lived joy

Synonyms of short-lived

• brief
• temporary
• flash
• transient
• passing
• fleeting
• ephemeral

Examples of short-lived in a Sentence

the skier's triumph turned out to be short-lived, as the next competitor bested her time

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, even though demonstrators in Bahrain were among the most adept at using these new platforms, their rebellion was the most short-lived. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Juniper Unlimited before it (which Burke was on board with) was also short-lived after its financial backer, Global Brands Group (GBG), collapsed. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026

Any friction or awkwardness that occurs between Johnson and Williams these days seems minimal and short-lived. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

The joy was short-lived as South Carolina State routed Florida A&M 31-13. — Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short-lived

• outlived
• relived

Kids Definition

short-lived

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˈlīvd, 

-ˌlivd

: living or lasting only a short time

short-lived blooms

short-lived joy