the short term
noun
: a short period of time at the beginning of something
It will meet our needs, at least for the short term.
His plan has advantages over the short term.
—usually used in the phrase in the short termIt won't make any difference in the short term.
These changes may improve profits in the short term, but they are going to cost us money in the long term.
Examples of the short term in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Though Starlink may be off the table for many domestic fliers, at least in the short term, United has introduced new ways for travelers to distract themselves in recent weeks.
—
Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
While many developers are being retrained for these higher-level roles, the shift is leading to fewer entry-level jobs in the short term and fewer opportunities for recent graduates.
—Paul Davidson, USA Today, 6 June 2025
In the short term, though, the turmoil was the reason Natalia was able to restart her journalism career.
—Megan Greenwell, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
In the short term, Rutte has proposed members of the alliance increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, a goal that the Dutch have estimated will cost them an additional 16 billion to 19 billion euros ($18.2 billion to $21.6 billion) a year.
—April Roach, CNBC, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the short term
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
While many developers are being retrained for these higher-level roles, the shift is leading to fewer entry-level jobs in the short term and fewer opportunities for recent graduates.
—Paul Davidson, USA Today, 6 June 2025
In the short term, though, the turmoil was the reason Natalia was able to restart her journalism career.
—Megan Greenwell, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
In the short term, Rutte has proposed members of the alliance increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, a goal that the Dutch have estimated will cost them an additional 16 billion to 19 billion euros ($18.2 billion to $21.6 billion) a year.
—April Roach, CNBC, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the short term
Cite this Entry
“The short term.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20short%20term. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share