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.
Relish or chutney: Transform cucumbers into a flavorful relish or chutney that can be stored in the refrigerator for short-term use or canned for long-term storage. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 Cons: Tech-heavy listings, can include duplicate or short-term contract roles and less variety in non-tech jobs. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Although some lawmakers, like Democratic Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, criticized the administration for not consulting Congress, the ceasefire and lack of immediate retaliation gave Trump a short-term diplomatic win. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 Chambers said there needs to be short-term answers on how parking is managed in the area; and making walking to businesses in the area attractive to all residents, including those in all the new rentals being built. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 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 8 Jul. 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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