1
: occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time
2
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a brief term and especially one of less than a year
b
: generated by assets held for less than six months

Examples of short-term in a Sentence

this is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem
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.
Two or three cuts are the most likely outcome by year-end, potentially leaving short-term rates in a 3.5% to 4% range. Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 With an eye toward long-term competitiveness, not short-term theatrics. Aron Solomon, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025 Temporary workers had to attest their intent to only be in the U.S. on a short-term basis. Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 12 May 2025 The Maven is continuing to grow; last year, Arneson launched a small group of short-term rental apartments. Carley Thornell, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for short-term

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-term was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short-term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-term. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

short-term

adjective
-ˈtərm
: short-range
short-term goals

Legal Definition

short term

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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