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

Instead of holding out hope that Jeanie would remain as the Lakers’ governor at least in the short-term, Jeanie’s siblings accepted a lavish payout and a preemptive exit. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The stock is gapping above its 50-day MA and daily cloud, confirming a short-term breakout. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Hotel companies and the unions representing hotel workers oppose expanding the short-term rental market out of existing housing stock. — Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

The offer of a trial from Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson that eventually turned into a short-term contract until January 2025 proved the merits of all that hard work. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 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