the long term
noun
: a long period of time after the beginning of something
She is investing for the long term.
I think it's the better choice over the long term.
an investment that should do well in the long term
These changes may improve profits now, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.
Examples of the long term in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s big because stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate profits over the long term.
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Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The potential option to acquire an existing building may warrant further analysis to ensure the city is making the most financially prudent decision over the long term.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Both players held personal reasons to come to Chicago, but neither would have bought in without faith that the Sky were committed to winning immediately rather than hedging their bets on the long term.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Lawmakers want to figure out how to bring down costs within Medicaid in the long term, rather than continuing to make yearly cuts, and to explore other ways to shore up its funding.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the long term
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Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The potential option to acquire an existing building may warrant further analysis to ensure the city is making the most financially prudent decision over the long term.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Both players held personal reasons to come to Chicago, but neither would have bought in without faith that the Sky were committed to winning immediately rather than hedging their bets on the long term.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Lawmakers want to figure out how to bring down costs within Medicaid in the long term, rather than continuing to make yearly cuts, and to explore other ways to shore up its funding.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the long term
Cite this Entry
“The long term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20long%20term. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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