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

Raising the age threshold may be considered in upcoming reforms, though some experts contend that change wouldn't be a short-term fix. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 13 July 2026

Muangthai operates in Thailand’s booming microlending space, where financial firms provide small, short-term loans to people and businesses with limited access to capital. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 13 July 2026

The claims are based on animal or laboratory research, or very small, short-term human studies. — Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 July 2026

While the short-term income has been welcome, Ross is taking a long view of how the World Cup might benefit Arlington economically. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 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