Cool MateShort-term
UK /["/ˌʃɔːt ˈtɜːm/"]/US /["/ˌʃɔːrt ˈtɜːrm/"]/
Definition
lasting a short time; designed only for a short period of time in the future
In simple words: for a little while, not long
Examples
- a short-term loan
- to find work on a short-term contract
- short-term plans
- a short-term solution to the problem
- His **short-term memory** *(= the ability to remember things that happened a short time ago)* is failing.
Usage notes
Use 'short-term' in both personal and professional contexts. It's often used when discussing goals, plans, or investments that won't last long. Avoid using it in very formal documents.
Grammar pattern
short-term + noun
Memory hint
Think of 'short' as in 'a short movie', which doesn't take much time to watch.
Collocations
- short-term goal
- short-term investment
- short-term solution
- short-term effects
- short-term memory
Synonyms
- temporary
- brief
- momentary
- transient
- fleeting
Antonyms
- long-term
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'long-term' which means lasting a long time.
- Using 'short-term' without specifying what it applies to.
- Using 'short-term' as a noun instead of an adjective.