long term

You can use it as an adjective before a noun. Just remember to use a hyphen like this: long-term. For example, a long-term relationship or a long-term investment. You can also use it as a noun phrase with 'in the'. You might say, "In the long term, this will save us money." It works for your career, your health, and even your Netflix subscriptions.

Use it when you want to sound responsible and thoughtful. It is perfect for job interviews when they ask about your goals. Use it when discussing serious relationships with a partner. It is also great for talking about habits. If you start exercising now, the long-term benefits are huge. It shows you are a person with a plan.

Don't use it for things that happen next week. If you are planning a party for Friday, that is not long term. Avoid it for trivial things like what you want for lunch. Saying "My long-term goal is a sandwich" sounds like you are overthinking your ham and cheese. Also, don't confuse it with 'forever'. Some things are long term but still eventually end.

In Western culture, long term is a buzzword for success. We are often obsessed with 'instant gratification' (getting things now). So, being a long-term thinker is seen as a sign of maturity. It is a highly valued trait in leadership and finance. It suggests you have the patience to wait for a bigger reward later.

You will often hear in the long run. This means the exact same thing but sounds a bit more casual. You might also hear people talk about long-range planning. In business, people love the phrase long-term strategy. If someone asks about your long-term plans, they are basically asking: "What is the end game here?"