Dictionary

shortgevity en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˌʃɔːtˈd͡ʒɛ.vɪ.ti/ (Received-Pronunciation)
• /ˌʃɔɹtˈd͡ʒɛ.vɪ.ti/ (General-American)

Etymology

Blend of short + longevity. Or more precisely, from short + -gevity, a back-formation from longevity, specifically in the spoken form /lɒŋˈdʒɛvɪti/.

Meanings

1. (humorous, often, uncountable) The state or condition of lasting for only a short period of time, in contrast to longevity.
   • I did not discuss the prognosis with Dr. Glass, nor did I ask him any questions about my probable longevity — or shortgevity. 1993, Garrett Oppenheim, Gwen Oppenheim, The Golden Handicap:
   • They'd have had him if he changed his ways, but Foster's conversions were famous for their short-gevity. Keith was proud of that word. He had made it up himself. Short-gevity was his opposite for longevity. It was an original Sylvester antonym. 2015, Leo Brett, Patricia Fanthorpe, Lionel Fanthorpe, Supernatural Stories featuring The Frozen Tomb:
   • Not all nations are in a position to benefit from longevity, and in fact, a significant number suffer from its opposite—shortgevity. 2010, Howard M. Fillit, Kenneth Rockwood, Kenneth Woodhouse, Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology:

Forms