the long term

noun

: a long period of time after the beginning of something
She is investing for the long term.
I think it's the better choice over the long term.
an investment that should do well in the long term
These changes may improve profits now, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.

Examples of the long term in a Sentence

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.
Stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate profits over the long term. Stan Choe, Fortune, 23 May 2026 But little is known about the long term effects of the substance on humans, health officials said on Friday. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 23 May 2026 Stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate profits over the long term. Michelle Chapman, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 In the long term, Sheffield believes population and economic growth in Detroit will offset the costs, but her administration will need to find other sources of revenue in the short term. Amanda Nothaft, The Conversation, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for the long term

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The long term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20long%20term. Accessed 26 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster