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Synonyms

short-lived

American  
[shawrt-lahyvd, -livd] / ˈʃɔrtˈlaɪvd, -ˈlɪvd /

adjective

  1. living or lasting only a little while.


short-lived British  

adjective

  1. living or lasting only for a short time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • short-livedness noun

Etymology

Origin of short-lived

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Any pullbacks in energy stocks have been shallow and short-lived, technical analysis shows, reinforcing the underlying demand and keeping the sector as a clear market leader.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Ronald Rabie, 56, said that while seeing the army patrolling the streets makes some difference, as it creates a safer environment for families, this peace is short-lived.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Stock indexes posted relatively modest declines in the opening week of the war, reflecting expectations that any disruption to oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz would be short-lived.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

“History shows geopolitical shocks typically have a limited and short-lived impact,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Though music’s flirtation with surrealism was short-lived - how can such an unreal art form ever really have had any relationship with surrealism? - one controversial aspect of Parade’s score had some coincidental forward momentum.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall