Lyhytkestoinen

Lyhytkestoinen is a Finnish adjective meaning lasting only for a short period; in English it is commonly translated as short-lived or short-term. It is used to describe phenomena, conditions, or effects whose duration is limited, as opposed to long-lasting or permanent.

Etymology and grammar: the word is formed from lyhyt (short) and kestoinen (lasting, derived from kestää to endure). The suffix -oinen marks a characteristic, so lyhytkestoinen denotes something characterized by short duration. In sentences it functions as a typical Finnish adjective and agrees with the noun it modifies in number and case.

Usage: lyhytkestoinen is widely used across domains such as science, medicine, economics and everyday language. Examples include lyhytkestoinen vaikutus (short-term effect), lyhytkestoinen kurssi (short course), lyhytkestoinen sairaus (short-lived illness), and lyhytkestoinen muisti (short-term memory). It is often contrasted with pitkäkestoinen (long-lasting) or with väliaikainen (temporary) or lyhytaikainen (brief) to convey nuance about duration and persistence.

Nuance and related terms: while lyhytkestoinen and lyhytaikainen are sometimes used interchangeably, lyhytkestoinen emphasizes the duration aspect (how long something lasts), whereas lyhytaikainen can carry a broader sense of temporariness. In formal writing, both terms appear, but the choice depends on the desired emphasis and the noun being described.

Overall, lyhytkestoinen is a common Finnish descriptor for anything that is not enduring, highlighting a limited span rather than a permanent state.