Words / C2

i-FEM-uh-r-uh-l/ɪˈfemərəl/

Ephemeral means it lasts only a short time and then is gone. Use it instead of short-lived when you want a slightly elegant contrast with lasting or permanent — a fashion, a mood, a headline. In conversation short-lived or fleeting is plainer; ephemeral can sound like a book review.

Meaning

Lasting for a very short time.

Examples

• “Fame on social media can be ephemeral.”
• “The truce proved ephemeral.”
• “Morning mist is beautiful and ephemeral.”

Good to know

Contrast with lasting / permanent. Everyday: short-lived.

Near in meaning

fleeting

New