long-term

adjective

ˈlȯŋ-ˈtərm 

1

: occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time

seeking long-term solutions

2

a

: of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a considerable term and especially one of more than 10 years

long-term bonds

b

: generated by assets held for longer than six months

a long-term capital gain

Synonyms of long-term

• long
• lengthy

Examples of long-term in a Sentence

before approving a new drug, the government insists on some long-term research to determine any possible side effects

Recent Examples on the Web

The gig will be curated by key collaborators on the album including, album producers Mark Ronson, Salaam Remi, long-term musical director Dale Davis, co-writers Paul O’Duffy and p*nut, and former Island Records executive Darcus Beese OBE. — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

For readers focused on long-term bone strength, digestion and cancer prevention, a small handful of arugula before a meal may deliver more than a peppery bite. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Note that if your sleeping woes turn into chronic insomnia, more targeted, long-term solutions might be needed, such as CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) or prescription medication. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

The long-term technical outlook is constructive for ARM as well. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for long-term

• affirm
• bookworm
• budworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• ringworm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm

Kids Definition

long-term

adjective

-ˈtərm

: extending over or involving a long period of time