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

For many of these measures, industry analysts and stakeholders have said the reduction in energy prices is likely to be limited and possibly short-lived. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Oct. 2026

The celebratory mood at the Titans’ Nashville headquarters was likely short-lived, however, after the team made a surprising move involving one of its defensive linemen. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026

In practice, the most durable empires have relied on informal collaboration with local elites, whereas brutally coercive ones tend to be short-lived. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 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