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

But, beyond the noise, is there a short-term, collective crypto community goal rooted in the Congressional process? — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Los Angeles is off Thursday this week and Monday next week, providing some short-term flexibility in the rotation while left-hander Blake Snell works his way back from an injury. — Mike Fitzpatrick, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Although fruit juice and soda can produce similar short-term increases in blood sugar, long-term research tells a more nuanced story. — Verywell Health, 20 July 2026

Some analysts believe the semiconductor sector has yet to fully digest its earlier gains, and that a short-term rebound does not necessarily mean the correction is over. — CNBC, 20 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