the short run
noun
: a short period of time at the beginning of something
One plan had advantages over the short run.
—usually used in the phrase in the short runIt won't make any difference in the short run.
These changes may improve profits in the short run, but they are going to cost us money in the long run.
Examples of the short run in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Doing the right thing doesn't always pay off in the short run, but your country will ultimately get this right.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
When a builder elects to bear these costs in the short run and build (as opposed to refraining from the effort because of the high cost), the builder ultimately must pass the costs on to renters and first-time buyers to recoup her investment.
—Mark Miller, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025
In the short run, this would see sellers and incumbent owners capturing much of the benefit while first‑time buyers face higher entry prices.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
In the short run, that can put a pinch on job growth.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the short run
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Philip Elliott, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
When a builder elects to bear these costs in the short run and build (as opposed to refraining from the effort because of the high cost), the builder ultimately must pass the costs on to renters and first-time buyers to recoup her investment.
—Mark Miller, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025
In the short run, this would see sellers and incumbent owners capturing much of the benefit while first‑time buyers face higher entry prices.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
In the short run, that can put a pinch on job growth.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the short run
Cite this Entry
“The short run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20short%20run. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
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