in the long term
Over extended periods
In the long term describes what happens over an extended period, as opposed to immediate effects.
It frames outcomes that may take years or decades to unfold: In the long term, the investment should pay off.
Often contrasted with in the short term.
The phrase signals patience or perspective—acknowledging that current circumstances may differ from eventual results.
- futureTime still to come
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- visionAbility to see
- longevityDuration of existence
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
evolution · slow burn · legacy · perpetuity · ripple effect · sustainability · future proof · scalability · resilience · foresight · duration · horizon · delayed gratification · prioritization · growth · timeline · investment · nest egg
in the long termin the short run
For a brief period
short-term · immediately · right now · for now · for the time being
in the long termtemporarily
For a limited time
briefly · fleetingly · momentarily · transiently · for a little while
long, term, longer, longest, length, lengthen, lengthy, elongate, elongation