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

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.
His work with the Kings was intriguing enough to be a worthy gamble on a short-term deal. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 17 June 2025 Those short-term knockoff product savings can cost you in health, safety and repair issues. Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 The Chinese state has no problem eating any short-term losses to maintain key strategic levers over the global economy. Charlie Campbell, Time, 17 June 2025 Attempts to leverage these groups may serve short-term tactical interests for Israel or others but would come at immense long-term strategic cost. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short-term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-term. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

short-term

adjective
-ˈtərm
: short-range
short-term goals

Legal Definition

short term

noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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