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

The cooler weather will be short-lived, though, as temperatures return to the 90s next week. — Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

But as temperatures approached 40 C (104 F) Wednesday afternoon and winds strengthened, the reprieve threatened to be short-lived. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

But as temperatures approached 104 degrees Wednesday afternoon and winds strengthened, the reprieve threatened to be short-lived. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Albertazzi said the effects of those timing issues should prove short-lived. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 29 July 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