the long term

noun

: a long period of time after the beginning of something
She is investing for the long term.
I think it's the better choice over the long term.
an investment that should do well in the long term
These changes may improve profits now, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.

Examples of the long term in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Freier is adamant that this move will help align the Southern California rugby community and pay dividends in the long term. Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 In the long term, there are obvious problems ahead. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025 Economic growth has slowed in the first half of the year; in the long term, slowing growth worsens people’s standard of living. Alana Semuels, Time, 4 Aug. 2025 In the long term, alcohol affects the areas of your brain that manage blood pressure, contributing to chronic high blood pressure. Jane Kim, Verywell Health, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for the long term

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The long term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20long%20term. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!