short-term

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌtərm 

1

: occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time

2

a

: of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a brief term and especially one of less than a year

b

: generated by assets held for less than six months

Synonyms of short-term

• temporary
• interim

Examples of short-term in a Sentence

this is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Kleiman said many adults rent short-term rentals for young people but then do not accompany them as chaperones. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

As the first week of the knockout rounds comes to a close, the soccer frenzy is translating into a short-term rental boom, with locals cashing in by renting out their homes. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 July 2026

People should think about these dietary changes as long-term lifestyle habits rather than a short-term intervention aimed at preventing one specific disease. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Experts note this isn't just short-term inflation but a decades-long trend where productivity gains haven't translated into median wage growth. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for short-term

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

Kids Definition

short-term

adjective

-ˈtərm

: short-range

short-term goals

Legal Definition

short term

noun

: short rate