Word
long term
Phoneticslong·term
/ˈlɔŋˌtɝm/
Definition
compound. lasting for a long time into the future. You use this to describe plans, effects, or relationships that you expect to continue for many years.
compound. relating to or extending over a relatively long period of time. Typically used to describe goals, consequences, or investments that span several years or decades.
Examples
“We need a long-term plan for our business.”
“Doctors are still studying the long-term effects of the new medication to ensure it remains safe after years of use.”
“While the immediate costs of the environmental policy are high, the long-term benefits to public health and infrastructure far outweigh the initial investment.”
Examples
simple
“We need a long-term plan for our business.”
contextual
“Doctors are still studying the long-term effects of the new medication to ensure it remains safe after years of use.”
complex
“While the immediate costs of the environmental policy are high, the long-term benefits to public health and infrastructure far outweigh the initial investment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “long term” in context.
Noun
01. long-term commitment
“Buying a house is a significant long-term commitment for any young couple.”
adj + noun
02. long-term effect
“Scientists are still studying the long-term effect of the new medication.”
adj + noun
03. long-term goal
“Her primary long-term goal is to become a partner at the law firm.”
adj + noun
04. long-term relationship
“They have been in a committed long-term relationship for over a decade.”
adj + noun
05. long-term solution
“Temporary repairs are not enough; we need a sustainable long-term solution.”
adj + noun
06. long-term strategy
“The company needs a clear long-term strategy to remain competitive.”
adj + noun
07. have long-term implications for
“The new policy will have long-term implications for the local economy.”
08. in the long term
“This investment might be expensive now, but it will save us money in the long term.”
09. secure a long-term future
“The government is working to secure a long-term future for the steel industry.”
Usage
Usually hyphenated when it appears before a noun; often used without a hyphen as a noun phrase ('in the long term').
Pitfall
a long term goal
a long-term goal
When used as an adjective before a noun, the phrase should be hyphenated.
Real-World Examples
“Small increases in physical activity as part of our daily lives can bring long-term benefits to our health.” “Rooted in ancient practices, the modern science of breathwork is revealing how a few minutes spent focusing on your breathing can not only bring an instant dose of stress relief, but also benefit your health in the long term.” “When scientists discovered the energy embedded within atoms, it transformed how we think about the long-term future of humanity, writes the historian Thomas Moynihan.” “Over the last two decades, I have been working at The Long Now Foundation to build a monument-scale “10,000 Year Clock” as an icon to long-term thinking, with computer scientist Danny Hillis and a team of engineers.” Etymology
A compound formed from the adjective 'long' and the noun 'term', referring to a period of time. It emerged in the mid-19th century, originally used in financial and legal contexts to describe contracts or loans. Over time, it became a general descriptor for any situation lasting into the distant future.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/long-term