the short term
noun
: a short period of time at the beginning of something
It will meet our needs, at least for the short term.
His plan has advantages over the short term.
—usually used in the phrase in the short termIt won't make any difference in the short term.
These changes may improve profits in the short term, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.
Examples of the short term in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the short term, minimizing awareness of the abuse helps the victim endure the abuse.
—
Anne P. Deprince, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
Those conditions later required unions to return to the bargaining table to draft new labor agreements that helped save the state money in the short term.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025
In the short term, Beijing’s priority is securing the concessions on advanced technology needed to accelerate semiconductor development in China and reduce reliance on imports.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In these cases, reducing the total debt may be more impactful than preserving your score in the short term.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the short 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.
Anne P. Deprince, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
Those conditions later required unions to return to the bargaining table to draft new labor agreements that helped save the state money in the short term.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025
In the short term, Beijing’s priority is securing the concessions on advanced technology needed to accelerate semiconductor development in China and reduce reliance on imports.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In these cases, reducing the total debt may be more impactful than preserving your score in the short term.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the short term
Cite this Entry
“The short term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20short%20term. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share