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
In the long term, Doha may signal its displeasure with the United States and its Western allies over this attack by turning again to China for certain weapons.
—
Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
One area of learning that often gets overlooked is the knowledge of how their spending habits can affect their lives over the long term.
—Mary Luquette, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Over the long term, too much reliance on outsiders can hollow out the in‑house skill base.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
In the long term, failed coup leaders who escape punishment are more likely to make a political comeback.
—Joe Wright, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the long term
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Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
One area of learning that often gets overlooked is the knowledge of how their spending habits can affect their lives over the long term.
—Mary Luquette, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Over the long term, too much reliance on outsiders can hollow out the in‑house skill base.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
In the long term, failed coup leaders who escape punishment are more likely to make a political comeback.
—Joe Wright, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the long term
Cite this Entry
“The long term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20long%20term. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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