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
Otherwise, the Kings could have waited until the offseason and bring back a package that would help in the long term more than LaVine and his contract.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Jan. 2026
For everyday investors, the lesson is to do your homework before buying stocks and focus on holding quality investments for the long term.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
Still, robust momentum in global copper demand is expected over the long term.
—Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
In the long term, these states could have far-reaching implications.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the long term
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 1 Jan. 2026
For everyday investors, the lesson is to do your homework before buying stocks and focus on holding quality investments for the long term.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025
Still, robust momentum in global copper demand is expected over the long term.
—Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
In the long term, these states could have far-reaching implications.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share