the long term
noun
: a long period of time after the beginning of something
She is investing for the long term.
I think it's the better choice over the long term.
an investment that should do well in the long term
These changes may improve profits now, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.
Examples of the long term in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The plan envisions a reconstructed strip supported principally by regional players that could stabilize the region and provide in the short term humanitarian relief and in the long term economic opportunities to Gazans.
—
Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
The Commanders have generally refrained from committing to older players for the long term, so the age could drop significantly in a short period of time if the team decides to go in that direction.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The $6 million saved helped give the Knicks flexibility in signing free agents this offseason and for the long term.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Over the long term, none of that may matter.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the long term
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Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
The Commanders have generally refrained from committing to older players for the long term, so the age could drop significantly in a short period of time if the team decides to go in that direction.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
The $6 million saved helped give the Knicks flexibility in signing free agents this offseason and for the long term.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Over the long term, none of that may matter.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the long term
Cite this Entry
“The long term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20long%20term. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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