Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or extending over a limited period: Describes something that lasts for, is intended for, or concerns a brief or immediate period of time, as opposed to a long duration.
   • Involving or maturing after a short period: Often used in financial and planning contexts to denote obligations, effects, or goals with a near-future horizon.

Usage

• The adjective "short-term" is used before a noun to modify it.
• It describes the time frame of the noun it modifies, emphasizing brevity and immediacy.
• It is often contrasted with "long-term."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company focused on short-term profits rather than sustainable growth.
  • She took out a short-term loan to cover the unexpected expense.
  • This is just a short-term solution; we need a permanent fix.
  • He suffered from short-term memory loss after the accident.

Advanced Usage

• "In the short term": As an adverbial phrase meaning "for the present time" or "over a brief immediate period."
  • In the short term, we need to stabilize the situation.
• "Short-termism" (noun): A focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term interests.
  • The CEO was criticized for his short-termism.

Variants and Related Words

• Short-run (adjective): Very similar in meaning to "short-term," often used in economic contexts.
  • short-run economic forecasts
• Short-dated (adjective): Used primarily for financial securities that mature soon.
  • short-dated bonds
• Temporary (adjective): Lasting for only a limited period; not permanent. (While similar, "temporary" doesn't inherently carry the planning/strategic connotation of "short-term.")

Synonyms

• Immediate: Occurring or done at once; instant.
• Interim: Intended to last for only a short time until something more permanent is established.
• Provisional: Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.

Antonyms

• Long-term: Lasting for or extending over a long period.
• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change.
• Enduring: Lasting over a long period; durable.

Related Phrases

• Short-term gain: A benefit or profit achieved in the near future.
  • Pursuing short-term gains can sometimes lead to long-term problems.
• Short-term outlook: A perspective or forecast focused on the immediate future.
  • The short-term outlook for the industry remains uncertain.

Adjective

1. relating to or extending over a limited period
   • short-run planning
   • a short-term lease
   • short-term credit