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

Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, who are still recovering from long-term injuries, are set to travel and continue their rehab in the States. — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Now, voters here will be asked to get rid of exemptions for lenders that seize properties over unpaid loans, which would provide a new source of public dollars amid Oakland’s long-term budget woes. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

The long-term care industry says not every clash can be averted. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

The evolving strategy comes as fast-food chains brace for what could become one of the industry’s biggest long-term challenges. — Hallie Jackson, NBC news, 19 July 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