Shortest-lived

The term 'shortest-lived' refers to the characteristic of having the least duration or the briefest existence, often used in the context of species, trends, inventions, or phenomena. It denotes those entities that do not endure for long periods before ceasing to exist or being replaced. This could apply to living organisms that have inherently short life spans or to transient cultural trends and technologies that quickly fall out of favor.

Shortest-lived meaning with examples

• The mayfly is often cited as one of the shortest-lived insects, with a lifespan that can be as brief as just a few hours after reaching maturity, highlighting the ephemeral nature of its existence and reproduction.
• In the realm of technology, the handheld gaming console that was released last year quickly became the shortest-lived product on the market, overshadowed by smartphones that provide gaming capabilities, leading to rapid discontinuation.
• Among mammals, the shrew is known to be one of the shortest-lived, with some species living only about two years. Despite their brief lifespan, they play a critical role in many ecosystems.
• Cultural movements can also have the shortest-lived impact, such as certain fashion fads that explode in popularity for a season but are quickly forgotten as new trends emerge, illustrating the fast pace of contemporary society.
• In the animal kingdom, the ephemeral nature of certain amphibians' life cycles makes them the shortest-lived among vertebrates; many species breed in temporary ponds, only living long enough to reproduce before disappearing.