fleeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is temporary or passing quickly, often referring to moments or experiences. Example: "The beauty of the sunset was fleeting, lasting only a few minutes before darkness fell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Simon Cowell made a fleeting appearance at the talent show's glitzy launch event in London on Thursday – and thanked the media for making him "loads of money".

The Guardian

Hodges's close encounter left her with severe bruising – and fleeting worldwide fame.

The Guardian - Arts

I think of happiness as something that's fleeting and heightened, not constant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Enjoy your calories, your freshers flu, your fleeting LFs – and let this doddery 29-year-old know how it goes.

The Guardian

The Shed at the National Theatre proved to be one such joyful fleeting visitor to the South Bank last summer, looking as if Lasdun's concrete fly-tower had leapt down and daubed itself with red face-paint to join the riverside fun.

The Guardian - Arts

There was fleeting hope in 1997, when Labour turfed out Ashington's Tory tormentors.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were brief, fleeting signs of something resembling that here but before the new manager could even warm his seat in the dugout, the visitors were behind and the setback was self-inflicted.

The Guardian - Sport

Throughout his career, Damien Hirst has used butterflies (including live ones hatching in a gallery) to make statements about the fleeting nature of life.

The Guardian - Film

And then, in a brief moment, Thatcher reached up to re-position a coil of hair and Jane pounced, capturing the fleeting doubt that lingered around the corners of the eyes.

The Guardian - Arts

Their Look Back In Anger adaptation was a flop but Saltzman and Woodfall caught the fleeting zeitgeist – and hit paydirt – with Saturday Night And Sunday Morning, making a star of Albert Finney.

The Guardian - Film

However, such pleasures are fleeting, and if you rely on unhealthy foods to get high, you may mess up your reward system, encouraging uncontrollable cravings and binges.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting" to describe experiences, emotions, or opportunities that are brief and quickly disappearing to add a sense of urgency or wistfulness to your writing.

Common error

While "fleeting" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise terms like "transient" or "ephemeral" might be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fleeting" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that passes quickly or lasts only a short time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that passes quickly or is short-lived. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with common contexts including news, formal writing, and scientific discussions. While widely accepted, more precise terms like "transient" or "ephemeral" might be preferred in highly formal contexts. The phrase's frequent use in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its reliability. Remember to use "fleeting" to add a sense of urgency or wistfulness when describing temporary experiences or opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient

Implies a temporary state, often emphasizing the process of passing through.

ephemeral

Highlights the short-lived nature and lack of lasting significance.

momentary

Focuses on the very brief duration, lasting only a moment.

brief

Indicates a short duration, less emphasis on disappearing.

short-lived

Directly states that something does not last long.

temporary

Emphasizes the non-permanent nature of something.

evanescent

Suggests fading away like vapor.

passing

Suggests something that is moving or going by quickly.

vanishing

Highlights the disappearance or fading from sight.

fugitive

Implies quick disappearance as if running away.

FAQs

How can I use "fleeting" in a sentence?

You can use "fleeting" to describe something that lasts a very short time, such as "a "fleeting glimpse" of happiness" or "a "fleeting moment" of peace".

What words can I use instead of "fleeting"?

Alternatives to "fleeting" include "transient", "ephemeral", "momentary", or "brief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "fleeting" to describe a feeling?

Yes, "fleeting" is often used to describe feelings or emotions that pass quickly, such as "a "fleeting sense" of joy" or "a "fleeting pang" of regret".

What's the difference between "fleeting" and "temporary"?

"Fleeting" emphasizes the very short duration and quick disappearance of something, while "temporary" simply means not permanent and can refer to a longer period than "fleeting".