1
: occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time
seeking long-term solutions
2
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a considerable term and especially one of more than 10 years
long-term bonds
b
: generated by assets held for longer than six months
a long-term capital gain

Examples of long-term in a Sentence

before approving a new drug, the government insists on some long-term research to determine any possible side effects
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Managing osteoporosis is a long-term process that requires ongoing commitment to lifestyle changes. Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 But Donald Trump’s presidential election victory injects new uncertainty into what happens long-term. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024 The presentation offers a glimpse at how SpaceX views the long-term future of Starlink. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Trump’s return isn’t going to reverse the long-term trendline. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for long-term 

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-term was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near long-term

Cite this Entry

“Long-term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-term. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

long-term

adjective
-ˈtərm
: extending over or involving a long period of time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!