fleeting

[ flee-ting ]

adjective

1. passing swiftly; vanishing quickly; transient; transitory:

   fleeting beauty;

   a fleeting glance.

   Synonyms: fugitive, brief, flying, passing

fleeting

/ ˈfliːtɪŋ /

adjective

1. rapid and transient

   a fleeting glimpse of the sea

Derived Forms

• ˈfleetingly, adverb
• ˈfleetingness, noun

Other Words From

• fleeting·ly adverb
• fleeting·ness noun
• un·fleeting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleeting¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; fleet ² + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“Memory for humans has been so fleeting that when we then get tools to conserve, we overindulge in it,” he said.

From Slate

But these fleeting moments of weakness underscore the character’s fragility, just as Glenn Close’s modest singing ability served her devastating portrayal of Norma Desmond in the 1994 Broadway premiere.

From Los Angeles Times

All Sam Rushby can remember about his family are fleeting memories of hospital corridors and waiting rooms.

From BBC

But Porter never heard more than a fleeting moment of frustration from his pupil.

From Los Angeles Times

In an interview, her mother, Nichole Thompson, recalled believing that she was going on a fleeting adventure before settling back home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cursory
• ephemeral
• fading
• momentary
• short-lived
• sudden
• transitory