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

In the event a central bank lacks independence, policymakers tend to favor lower interest rates as a means of boosting short-term economic activity, analysts previously told ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026

While some people use weekends for extra exercise, others might be less active, leading to short-term weight changes. —Brandi Jones, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026

For example, the savings portion might go toward building an emergency fund or saving up for a short-term goal like a vacation or a new laptop. —Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026

Silver's volatility means short-term price swings are common. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

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