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 long-term ambition behind the program extends beyond a single aircraft. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026

The stock is a long-term favorite of Mad Money ‘s Jim Cramer. —Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026

That likely wasn’t in the cards given the long-term contract terms McDuffie is seeking. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026

Frank Antonacci, the chief operating officer of USA Waste, sent a letter to the heads of 11 towns on Monday, offering to enter into long-term contracts to manage their waste at lower rates than the tipping fees currently charged at the Torrington transfer station. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for long-term

• affirm
• bookworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm
• berm

Kids Definition

long-term

adjective

-ˈtərm

: extending over or involving a long period of time