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

• 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

Republicans are pushing for a short-term spending bill to keep the government open next month, but have so far rejected demands from Democrats to include health-care provisions in any extension. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025

The cheapest way to watch a single playoff game online is by signing up for a short-term streaming pass. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 14 Sep. 2025

Through it all, commitment — whether to a client, a property, or the process — proved more valuable than chasing short-term gains. —Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

The Kratky method works best for short-term crops like leafy greens and herbs. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for short-term

• affirm
• bookworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm
• berm

Kids Definition

short-term

adjective

-ˈtərm

: short-range

short-term goals

Legal Definition

short term

noun

: short rate