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

While ethically bankrupt, it is often used to manufacture short-term consent or panic. — Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026

The strategy has not been confirmed verbatim by the Treasury, but Bessent himself has indicated the scheme worked by buying back more expensive, long-term debt (in which yields, and hence interest, are higher) in lieu of cheaper, short-term debt. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026

Nursing homes, sometimes called skilled nursing homes, provide 24-hour medical care for long-term or short-term rehabilitative stays for people who need a high level of medical care. — Anna Roman, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2026

By contrast, investments held for one year or less are short-term gains, subject to regular income tax rates. — Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 10 Nov. 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