short-term

UK: ˈʃɔːt tɜːm | US: ˈʃɔːrt tɜːrm

Definition
  1. adj. lasting for or relating to a limited period of time

  2. adj. (finance) maturing or payable within a brief period

Structure
short <brief>term <period>
Etymology

The word "short-term" combines "short," derived from Old English scort (meaning "not long"), and "term," from Latin terminus (meaning "boundary" or "limit"). The compound emerged in the 19th century to describe phenomena or obligations confined to a limited duration, contrasting with "long-term." Its financial usage reflects the division of time-bound liabilities or investments.

Examples
  1. The company hired temporary workers for short-term projects.

  2. Short-term memory stores information for only a few seconds.

  3. Investors often balance short-term gains with long-term stability.

  4. The policy had short-term benefits but long-term consequences.

  5. She focused on short-term goals to stay motivated.