short-term

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌtərm How to pronounce short-term (audio)
Synonyms of short-termnext
1
: occurring over or involving a relatively short period of time
2
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a financial operation or obligation based on a brief term and especially one of less than a year
b
: generated by assets held for less than six months

Synonyms of short-term

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Examples of short-term in a Sentence

this is only a short-term solution to a long-term problem
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.
Some residents have concerns that the nanobubble technology doesn’t address the root causes of fecal contamination, serving as a short-term solution to a multifaceted, long-term problem, Jimenez said. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 The ship sold permanent residences starting at about $120,000, as well as five-year residences, a three-year voyage and short-term rentals. — Hannah Sampson, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 Less costly short-term plans As their name suggests, short-term, limited-duration plans are designed for people with temporary gaps in coverage, such as those who are between jobs or months away from qualifying for Medicare. — Helen Levy, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 Schultz signed a short-term contract to serve as an out-of-house adviser to Kalshi, a second person familiar with the matter said. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short-term

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-term was in 1901

Rhymes for short-term

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Browse Nearby Words

short-tempered
short-term
short-termer
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Cite this Entry

“Short-term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-term. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

short-term

adjective
-ˈtərm
: short-range
short-term goals

Legal Definition

short term

noun
: short rate
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