fleeting success

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting success" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a success that is temporary or short-lived. Example: "While the startup experienced fleeting success in its first year, it struggled to maintain its momentum in the following years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Some Bears passers had fleeting success.

The New York Times - Sports

A challenge by Populists to the Democrats' control enjoyed only fleeting success in the 1890s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, a move into the professional ranks has brought only fleeting success.

The Guardian - Sport

Tannenbaum's riskiest move — trading up to select Sanchez fifth over all in 2009 — yielded immediate gratification but fleeting success.

The New York Times - Sports

Its limited and fleeting success will also have led Iran to take measures to hinder future attacks.

The Economist

He made the original as part of the global "Flappy Jam" celebrating the original Flappy Bird's fleeting success.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Interviewed by the Guardian and five other European newspapers from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland, Hollande also called for monthly meetings of the national leaders of the 17 eurozone countries to end the cycle of "so-called 'last-chance' summits", which he said in the past had led only to "fleeting successes".

The Guardian

Immediacy is expected, loyalty is fleeting and success is ephemeral.

The Guardian

With Fleeting enjoying success at Arsenal, she would have stood a good chance of appearing but nothing would make her willing to jeopardise Scotland's future.

The Guardian - Sport

We are both of the same opinion". With Fleeting enjoying success at Arsenal, she would have stood a good chance of appearing but nothing would make her willing to jeopardise Scotland's future.

The Guardian - Sport

He also had fleeting sporting success, holding down a position in Ormond's First VIII rowing squad for a brief period.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fleeting success", ensure the context clearly indicates why the success was short-lived. Providing details enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting success" when describing outcomes that had long-term positive effects, even if the initial success faded. Reserve it for truly transient achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting success" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fleeting' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'success'. It typically describes a situation where initial positive outcomes quickly diminish or disappear. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting success" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe achievements or positive outcomes that are temporary or short-lived. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It finds frequent application in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Encyclopedias. While semantically related phrases like "transient triumph" or "short-lived victory" exist, "fleeting success" provides a balanced and widely understood way to express the concept. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reasons behind the temporary nature of the "fleeting success", avoiding its use when describing outcomes with lasting positive impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient triumph

Replaces "success" with a synonym, emphasizing the temporary nature with a more formal tone.

momentary win

Substitutes both words, focusing on a singular instance of short-lived victory.

short-lived victory

Emphasizes the brief duration of the triumph.

temporary achievement

Replaces success, highlighting the temporary nature of accomplishment.

ephemeral accomplishment

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary to convey the transient nature.

passing success

Emphasizes that the success is in the act of passing, diminishing its importance.

brief period of prosperity

Shifts the focus from a single event to a short duration of positive conditions.

short burst of glory

Implies a sudden and intense, but brief, moment of triumph.

flash in the pan

An idiomatic expression indicating a sudden but brief and unsustainable success.

here today, gone tomorrow

An idiomatic expression highlighting the quick disappearance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting success" to describe an achievement that doesn't last long. For example, "The company enjoyed "fleeting success" with its viral marketing campaign, but sales soon declined."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting success"?

Alternatives include "temporary achievement", "short-lived victory", or "transient triumph".

Is there a difference between "fleeting success" and "lasting success"?

Yes, "fleeting success" describes an achievement that is temporary, while lasting success refers to continued and sustained achievement over a longer period.

When is it appropriate to use the term "fleeting success"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where initial positive results quickly diminish or disappear, such as a product that gains popularity briefly but then fades into obscurity, or a political movement that gains momentum but then quickly loses support.