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

Altercations between agitated people with dementia and other residents or workers charged with caring for them are disturbingly common in long-term care facilities and private homes. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

The European Union’s next long-term budget will cover the period from 2028 to 2034, with officials aiming to reach an agreement on spending priorities and limits by the end of this year. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

The taxing district that funds services and events within Wynwood, the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID), called the plans a milestone for the neighborhood’s long-term growth. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

The portion considered chronically homeless — having a disability and long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness of at least a year — has also risen since 2019. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 30 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