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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of short-term

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

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

The CRF, which will go live in April, will also provide emergency assistance for people who were in short-term financial crisis.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Yields on Treasurys are often on par with — or even exceed — CD rates, particularly for short-term options.

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

“The police located the old man, but his short-term memory is poor. He did give them money. He can’t remember how much.”

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• interim
• limited
• momentary