fleeting

[flee-ting]

adjective

1. passing swiftly; vanishing quickly; transient; transitory.

   fleeting beauty;

   a fleeting glance.

   Synonyms: fugitive, brief, flying, passing

fleeting

/ ˈfliːtɪŋ /

adjective

1. rapid and transient

   a fleeting glimpse of the sea

Other Word Forms

• fleetingly adverb
• fleetingness noun
• unfleeting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleeting¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; fleet ² + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Physicians say no syrup shortens their course; at best, they offer fleeting comfort.

From BBC

America has proven time and again that its moral outrage is fleeting.

From Salon

The prince's younger brother, Harry, gets one fleeting mention in the show.

From BBC

"In a high emotional state, you think 'do I want to do this rehab, do I want to carry on playing'. That was a very fleeting thought, an emotional reaction to being injured."

From BBC

The Nazi family making fleeting appearances in the play underscores the brutal conformity demanded by fascism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cursory 
• ephemeral 
• fading 
• momentary 
• short-lived 
• sudden 
• transitory