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

The change represents a short-term win for groups that sued to stop the rule. — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Given how quickly interest can accrue at that rate (or higher), a credit card generally works best as a short-term financing tool rather than a long-term solution. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Locking users into one studio or one modality, Bladt suggests, can create short-term commitment but long-term fatigue. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

The maximum term for a short-term plan is just three months, with an insurer option for a one-month renewal. — Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 29 June 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