transient

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "transient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is passing or temporary. For example: "The transient feeling of joy that I experienced quickly faded away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That transient global amnesia has much in common with a casual dream, when we become something else to protect us from real life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, in little more than a fortnight, she banged out a play about a feisty Salford girl, Jo, who is left alone by her flighty mum one Christmas, goes to bed with a transient Nigerian sailor, gets pregnant and is lovingly tended by an effeminate art student.

The Guardian

The big party machines insist the polls are wrong and that, when the media focus sharpens on Norris, the surge he has enjoyed will be as transient and temporary as the Indian summer we are currently enjoying on both sides of the Irish Sea.

The Guardian

People living in London are very transient and many are from other countries.

The Guardian

Related: Conference makes case for ending detention of female asylum seekers The last decade has seen an oft-repeated pattern – a disturbing investigation by journalists or a damning report by a charity or independent inspectorate, generating a transient flurry of interest in those who are locked up out of sight.

The Guardian - Opinion

When asked whether £8,000 was what he would charge if he had, he pointed out that the fluff animals were pretty transient creations, held together with static electricity and hairspray, and he couldn't imagine anyone offering that amount.

The Guardian - Opinion

Officers are paying particular interest to Felixstowe's transient population, among them the 4,000 lorry drivers that use the A14, the artery road linking East Anglia to the Midlands.

The Guardian

Naomi Jacobs has written a book, Forgotten Girl, about the time she went to bed – her final exams for a psychology degree approaching; in the middle of a break-up with the father of her son; worrying about the success of her business – and in the night was struck with transient global amnesia (TGA), a form of memory loss brought on by stress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When properties aren't maintained, it drives down an area, which then attracts more transient people with no stake in the community.

The Guardian - Money

Even the most transient byelection victor enjoyed one party conference as the centre of everyone's attention.

The Guardian

"People caught drinking in dry zones are fined, and we are talking about transient and homeless people with drug and alcohol problems," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "transient", consider whether a more specific term like "temporary" or "fleeting" might better capture the nuance you intend.

Common error

Avoid using "transient" when you mean "transitional". "Transient" refers to something that is temporary and doesn't last, while "transitional" describes something that is in the process of changing from one state to another.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "transient" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate their temporary or fleeting nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe something that doesn't last.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "transient" functions as an adjective to describe something that is temporary or fleeting. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Its use is common across news media, formal business writing, and scientific publications. When using "transient", consider whether a more specific term might better capture the nuance you intend, and avoid confusing it with "transitional". As shown in the provided examples, "transient" effectively communicates the impermanence of the subject it modifies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary

Indicates a limited duration, often with a defined end.

transitory

Similar to "transient" but may emphasize the process of change.

fleeting

Emphasizes the quick and elusive nature of something.

ephemeral

Suggests a very short lifespan, almost dreamlike.

evanescent

Highlights the gradual disappearance of something.

short-lived

Highlights the brief existence of something.

impermanent

Focuses on the lack of lasting quality.

momentary

Emphasizes that it lasts only for a moment.

passing

Implies a movement or progression that does not last.

unstable

Emphasizes a lack of permanence and a tendency to change.

FAQs

How to use "transient" in a sentence?

You can use "transient" to describe something that is temporary or doesn't last long. For example: "The "transient nature" of fame often leads to disappointment."

What can I say instead of "transient"?

You can use alternatives like "temporary", "fleeting", or "ephemeral" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "transient" or "transitional"?

"Transient" describes something that is temporary, while "transitional" describes something in the process of changing. The correct choice depends on the meaning you intend to convey.

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

While both imply a lack of permanence, "transient" often suggests something that is moving or passing through, whereas "temporary" simply indicates a limited duration.