short-term

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌtərm 

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

Synonyms of short-term

• temporary
• interim

Examples of short-term in a Sentence

this is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the short-term, a steeper yield curve can initially support lenders' margins as banks typically fund themselves at shorter-term rates and lend at higher rates further out the curve, Brooks said. — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

But Whittingham’s departure last December has altered the short-term outlook of his legacy at the school. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Leaders say the goal is to move beyond short-term emergency measures and make lasting changes that reduce water demand. — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

The strong spending report comes as the Federal Reserve lifted its short-term interest rate Wednesday for the first time in three years to fight stubbornly high inflation. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for short-term

• affirm
• bookworm
• budworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• ringworm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm

Kids Definition

short-term

adjective

-ˈtərm

: short-range

short-term goals

Legal Definition

short term

noun

: short rate