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

Ryan said donations will go toward emergency and ongoing medical care, surgeries and reconstructive procedures and long-term recovery and support. —Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Insee’s monthly survey of the manufacturing fell three points to 99 in March, back below the long-term average of 100 for the first time since November. —William Horobin, Bloomberg, 26 Mar. 2026

If your goal is long-term success, there is really no substitute for doing the necessary hard work. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026

Coal is a short-term fix, experts say, while renewables are the long-term solution. —Arkansas Online, 25 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