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

The Club at Brickell Bay, one of Miami’s largest condos, has been overrun by short-term rental chaos as full-time residents dwindle to 15%. — Joan Chrissos, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

When a crisis hits and schooling is interrupted, UNICEF works to ensure continuity of learning for children by supporting short-term measures that are often deployed as part of a broader emergency response. — Courtney Busch, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

If true, this would violate Local Law 18, the short-term-rental law that took effect in 2023, better known as the anti-Airbnb law, which requires those renting a room for less than 30 days to be present while guests are staying over. — Adam Robb, Curbed, 27 July 2026

Adding a veteran on a short-term deal — like the ones Stearns signed for Manaea and Luis Severino heading into 2024 — doesn’t make as much sense for New York this time around. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 27 July 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