short-lived

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˈlivd How to pronounce short-lived (audio)
also
-ˈlīvd How to pronounce short-lived (audio)
Synonyms of short-livednext
: not living or lasting long
short-lived insects
short-lived joy

Synonyms of short-lived

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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.
Treatment The condition usually is short-lived and resolves without treatment. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Cristobal's forecast Satellite data shows Cristobal is producing tropical storm-force winds to its southeast, but it's expected to be short-lived, given its location in the Atlantic. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 If the division admittedly had been characterized by a somewhat conservative bent under the old guard, that era was relatively short-lived. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026 But the respite after the signing was short-lived, with Washington and Tehran seemingly adopting different interpretations of the language used in the interim agreement. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for short-lived

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Browse Nearby Words

short list
short-lived
short-livedness
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Cite this Entry

“Short-lived.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-lived. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of short-lived for Spanish Speakers

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