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

Political uncertainty can also affect access to credit and the cost of short-term financing. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

In addition to a softer economy in the country, McDonald's has also seen short-term disruptions related to student protests. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Six people were killed — an elderly couple living in one of the apartments, and four American tourists staying in a short-term rental property in the building. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Six people were killed – an elderly couple living in one of the apartments, and four American tourists staying in a short-term rental property in the building. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 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