fleeting interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or short-lived curiosity or enthusiasm about something. Example: "Her fleeting interest in painting lasted only a few weeks before she moved on to other hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The internet's fleeting interest isn't a stable source of advantage.

Harvard Business Review

But the chocolate ones, you must admit, can sustain only a fleeting interest.

The Guardian

Without a script, no one had anything to say of even fleeting interest.

The Guardian

He has shown fleeting interest in the minutiae as Vought has outlined which services are being affected.

The Washington Post

Just weeks ago some Democrats insisted that the latest Clinton controversy would be only of fleeting interest.

The New York Times

There is almost literally nothing of even the most fleeting interest to a child that they did not cover.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Hustvedt has never been a writer of narrow or fleeting interests.

The Guardian - Books

Scuba diving consumed him in previous seasons, but now it is motorcycling, which scares his wife but also ticks her off because she is too busy working to pursue fleeting interests.

The New York Times - Arts

But viewers needed to see him evolve into the person Mindy deserves, rather than just being a fleeting love interest, or the subject of seasons-long uncertainty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Those two fleeting moments of interest aside, the score since 1990 is Manchester United seven, Arsenal three.

The Guardian - Sport

Media coverage of this crisis has been minimal, and the public's interest fleeting.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's lack of commitment, use "fleeting interest" to convey their short-term engagement, contrasting it with deeper, sustained involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting interest" when the context requires expressing a complete lack of interest. "Fleeting interest" implies some initial curiosity, however brief, while a total lack of interest means there's no engagement at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "fleeting" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "interest". Ludwig AI shows that it is frequently used to describe the temporary or transient nature of someone's attention or curiosity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fleeting interest" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a temporary or short-lived curiosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often found in news articles, academic texts, and business communications. While conveying a clear meaning, it's important not to confuse it with a complete lack of interest, as "fleeting interest" suggests some initial engagement. Alternatives like "transient interest" or "short-lived curiosity" can be used to express similar ideas. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure that the temporary nature of the interest is adequately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient interest

Emphasizes the temporary and quickly passing nature of the interest.

short-lived curiosity

Highlights the curiosity aspect and its brief duration.

temporary fascination

Focuses on the captivating nature of the interest, but only for a limited time.

passing fancy

Suggests a whimsical and not very serious interest that is likely to disappear quickly.

brief enthusiasm

Highlights the excitement associated with the interest, but notes its short duration.

momentary interest

Indicates that the interest is limited to a single moment or a very short period.

casual interest

Suggests a light and not very deep level of engagement or concern.

superficial interest

Highlights the lack of depth or genuine engagement with the subject.

surface-level curiosity

Similar to superficial interest, focusing on the lack of deeper exploration or understanding.

ephemeral concern

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the worry or care about something.

FAQs

What does "fleeting interest" mean?

The phrase "fleeting interest" refers to a brief or temporary period of curiosity or attention towards something. It suggests the interest does not last long.

How can I use "fleeting interest" in a sentence?

You can use "fleeting interest" to describe a temporary engagement with a topic or activity. For example, "Her "fleeting interest" in photography faded after a few weeks."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting interest"?

Some alternatives to "fleeting interest" include "transient interest", "short-lived curiosity", or "temporary fascination". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "fleeting interesting"?

No, it is not correct. "Fleeting" is an adjective that modifies the noun "interest". "Interesting" is an adjective describing something that provokes interest, but it doesn't fit the intended meaning of a temporary or brief focus.