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 Astros signed Altuve to a long-term extension in 2013, years before the club again became contenders. —Evan Drellich, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant. —Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

However, the long-term play is much larger. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026

This technology sits next to exciting hardware advancements as a key aspect of Intel’s long-term performance roadmap for enthusiasts. —Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 11 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