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 three other new arrivals — youngsters Zadok Yohanna (winger), Matias Orozco (midfield) and Rodrigo Rego (winger) — are all long-term projects. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Modern submarine programmes involve sophisticated engineering, propulsion, sensors, communications, combat systems and long-term industrial support. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

And the vice president warned of a long-term fight that could take years. — NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026

But its long-term goals are vastly more ambitious — and national in scale. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 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