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

There are also concerns about long-term pollution in the area known for hiking, camping and canoeing. —Beret Leone, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

In response, our customers are accelerating their capacity expansion plans for 2026 and beyond, supported by long-term agreements with their customers. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

What that does is make sure that all of the incentives are aligned for really long, long, long-term success. —Hadley Hitson, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Congress and state legislatures should focus on promoting long-term economic growth rather than short-term political wins. —Blanche Lincoln, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 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