adjective

long-term

Continuing or having effects over a long period.

Regular exercise has long-term benefits for both physical and mental health.

Etymology

Long-term combines long with term, a word for a bounded period. The compound describes a duration or consequence extending well beyond the immediate future.

More examples

  • We need a long-term plan to reduce spending.
  • She hopes to find a long-term partner.
  • Researchers are studying the treatment's long-term effects.

Forms

long-term · longer-term · longest-term

Similar words

lasting
Emphasizes something remaining rather than simply covering an extended period.
permanent
Means intended to continue indefinitely, not merely a long time.