short-term

American  

[shawrt-turm] / ˈʃɔrtˈtɜrm /

adjective

1. covering or applying to a relatively short period of time.

2. maturing over a relatively short period of time.

   a short-term loan.

3. (of profit, loss, interest, etc.) of or relating to a short term, especially one year or less.

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short-term British  

adjective

1. of, for, or extending over a limited period

2. finance extending over, maturing within, or required within a short period of time, usually twelve months

   short-term credit

   short-term capital

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Etymology

Origin of short-term

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

In a national randomized controlled trial, they found that a short-term, calorie-restricted eating plan led to meaningful improvements in both symptoms and biological markers in people with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

"We got some clarity on their aims and their ambitions, what their short-term goal is now and how they're looking to achieve it."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

But until major indexes like the S&P 500 start breaking back above short-term resistance levels, a heightened risk of further losses remains.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Siloed student data systems and platforms further hinder that verification process, while limited federal funding forces many districts to rely on short-term grants and donations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

I just have to write the truck off as a short-term loss leader, because when it comes down to it, I’m no longer in a position to negotiate.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• interim
• limited
• momentary