LONG-TERM definition: covering a relatively long period of time. See examples of long-term used in a sentence. The meaning of LONG-TERM is occurring over or involving a relatively long period of time. How to use long-term in a sentence. (Definition of long-term from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) LONG-TERM meaning: 1. continuing a long time into the future: 2. continuing a long time into the future: 3…. Learn more. Long term is a noun phrase that usually refers to a period of time in the future. It often follows prepositions like in, over, or for, and it doesn’t directly modify a noun. Examples: “The benefits of this approach are visible in the long term.” “Investors focus on returns over the long term.” 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. Define long-term. 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. “Long term” (without a hyphen) is used as a noun phrase to refer to an extended period, while “long-term” (hyphenated) serves as an adjective to describe something related to or lasting for a long period. 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. “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.