shortlived

The mayfly is a shortlived insect.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lasting for a brief period: "shortlived" describes something that exists or continues for only a short time; not enduring or permanent.
   • Fleeting or temporary: Often used for events, emotions, trends, or living things that do not last long.

Usage Examples

• (Their joy lasted only a brief period.)
• (The trend existed for only a short time.)
• (The species had a brief lifespan.)

Advanced Usage

• "Shortlived fame": fame that does not last long.

  • The actor enjoyed shortlived fame after his first movie but was soon forgotten. (His popularity was temporary.)

• "Shortlived peace": a period of peace that ends quickly.

  • The shortlived peace between the two nations ended with a new conflict. (The peace lasted only a brief time.)

Variants and Related Words

• Short-lived (alternative spelling): The hyphenated form is also common.

  • The ceasefire was short-lived. (It lasted only a short time.)

• Shortness (n): the quality of being short in duration.

  • The shortness of the meeting surprised everyone. (The meeting's brief duration was unexpected.)

• Lifespan (n): the length of time something lives or functions.

  • The shortlived plant had a lifespan of only two weeks. (Its life duration was brief.)

Synonyms

• Ephemeral: lasting for a very short time.

  • The ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms is celebrated each spring. (Their beauty is fleeting.)

• Transient: lasting only for a short time; temporary.

  • The transient joy of the party faded after everyone left. (The joy was not permanent.)

• Fleeting: passing quickly; lasting only a moment.

  • She caught a fleeting glimpse of the celebrity. (The sight was very brief.)

• Momentary: lasting for a very short time.

  • There was a momentary pause before she answered. (The pause was brief.)

Related Idioms

• "A flash in the pan": something that shows great promise but fails to deliver lasting success.

  • His early success was just a flash in the pan; he never achieved anything else. (His success was shortlived.)

• "Here today, gone tomorrow": used to describe something that does not last long.

  • Fashion trends are often here today, gone tomorrow. (They are shortlived.)

Antonyms

• Long-lived: lasting for a long time.

  • The long-lived tortoise can survive for over a century. (It lives for many years.)

• Enduring: continuing for a long time; lasting.

  • Their enduring friendship has lasted for decades. (It is not shortlived.)