Confused about long term or long-term? Learn the simple grammar rule, examples, and when to use each correctly. (Definition of long-term from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) The meaning of THE LONG TERM is a long period of time after the beginning of something. How to use the long term in a sentence. “Long-term” is something you might come across, but you might not be sure whether to keep it hyphenated. This article will explore whether it’s one or two words and what you need to know about it when you use it. Long term synonyms, Long term pronunciation, Long term translation, English dictionary definition of Long term. adj. Involving, maturing after, or being in effect for a long time: a long-term investment. Learn when to use Long Term or Long-Term with easy rules and examples. Master correct usage quickly and improve your writing instantly. Explore whether it is long term or long-term and learn when to use each form correctly for clarity and precision in your writing. The meaning of LONG-TERM is occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time. How to use long-term in a sentence. The correct phrase is long term (two words) or long-term (hyphenated, when used as an adjective before a noun). The single word longterm is a common misspelling and should be avoided in formal writing. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear and professional communication. When you talk about what happens in the long term, you are talking about what happens over a long period of time, either in the future or after a particular event.