: not living or lasting long
short-lived insects
short-lived joy

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Census Bureau data shows spending on cars and auto parts rose by a massive 8.9% in March, but that boost was short-lived: The May release shows a 3.5% decline. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Without a ground invasion (highly improbable) or direct U.S. support (which the Trump administration may be wary to provide), Israel’s military successes in Iran and beyond could very well be short-lived. Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 Yet the plaintiffs’ victory was short-lived, as less than a month later, the en banc court inexplicably vacated the panel’s ruling and ordered a new hearing, which took place on September 24. Anthony Aycock june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 Meanwhile, the Gucci fragrance and beauty license would likely be short-lived anywhere but at parent company Kering. Footwear News, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for short-lived

Word History

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-lived was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Short-lived.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-lived. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

short-lived

adjective
ˈshȯrt-ˈlīvd,
-ˌlivd
: living or lasting only a short time
short-lived blooms
short-lived joy

More from Merriam-Webster on short-lived

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