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

"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

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

In the filing, Rocket Lab said Beck’s focus is on shareholder value rather than short-term cash or incentives.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon prioritized a successful resolution to the Iran conflict over short-term stock market performance.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

He makes arrangements with his clients, finishes his clocks in progress in record time, and secures a short-term flat rental in Dresden.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• interim
• limited
• momentary