long-range

American  

[lawng-reynj, long-] / ˈlɔŋˈreɪndʒ, ˈlɒŋ- /

adjective

1. considering or extending into the future.

   a long-range outlook; long-range plans.

2. designed to cover or operate over a long distance.

   long-range rockets.

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long-range British  

adjective

1. of or extending into the future

   a long-range weather forecast

2. (of vehicles, aircraft, etc) capable of covering great distances without refuelling

3. (of weapons) made to be fired at a distant target

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Etymology

Origin of long-range

First recorded in 1865–70

Explanation

Something long-range has a long reach or can be used over long distances. A long-range missile is a weapon that travels a long way before it explodes. Long-range aircraft can travel for many miles, and the long-range travel of many migratory birds spans nearly as large a distance. You can also use the adjective long-range to describe a large span of time, rather than distance: "My long-range plans include running for President when I'm in my fifties or sixties."

Example Sentences

Since the start of the war, Ukraine has developed an arsenal of long-range drones which are often able to hit targets many hundreds of miles from its borders.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Europe and the Gulf and acted as a key node for command, communications and data transfer for drone and long-range strike coordination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Another surprising result was the discovery that small pockets of CDW order can persist even above the transition temperature, where long-range order is typically expected to vanish.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Brovdi's strategy is not only built on long-range strikes.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

She is a crack shot with a rifle, invaluable in a long-range capacity.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• comprehensive
• global
• long-term