Is it long-term or longterm? The correct choice is usually long-term when describing a noun and long term when referring to an extended period. The one-word spelling longterm is generally not standard in American English.
For example, you would write “a long-term plan” but “in the long term.” Although the expressions look similar, the hyphen depends on how the words function in a sentence.
In this guide, you’ll learn when to use each form, see practical examples, and discover an easy way to remember the rule.
Long-Term or Longterm: The Quick Answer
Long-term and long term are both correct, but they serve different grammatical purposes. Longterm, written as one word, should generally be avoided in standard American English.
| Form | Correct usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term | Compound adjective before a noun | We need a long-term solution. |
| Long term | Phrase referring to an extended period | This decision will help in the long term. |
| Longterm | Generally nonstandard spelling | Avoid writing “a longterm solution.” |
The key is to look at the phrase’s role in the sentence. When long-term describes a noun, use the hyphen. When long term refers to a period of time, leave the words separate.
When to Use Long-Term
Use long-term with a hyphen when the two words work together as a compound adjective. A compound adjective is a combination of words that functions as a single description.
Long-term describes something that continues, is expected to continue, or has effects over an extended period.
Examples of long-term as an adjective
- Long-term goals: She created a list of long-term goals for her career.
- Long-term investment: They made a long-term investment in the company.
- Long-term effects: Researchers examined the long-term effects of the policy.
- Long-term relationship: They built a strong, long-term relationship.
- Long-term strategy: The business developed a long-term strategy for growth.
- Long-term care: The family began researching long-term care options.
- Long-term commitment: Starting the program requires a long-term commitment.
- Long-term benefits: Regular maintenance can provide long-term benefits.
In each example, long-term describes the noun that follows it. The hyphen connects the two words and signals that they function together as one modifier.
This usage follows the general compound-adjective guidance described by Scribbr’s hyphenation guide and the Cambridge Dictionary’s entry for long-term.
Does long-term always need a hyphen?
Not necessarily. The hyphen is generally used when the expression appears before the noun it modifies, but it is commonly omitted when the expression follows a linking verb.
Compare these sentences:
- Before a noun: We developed a long-term plan.
- After a linking verb: Our plan is long term.
Both sentences are correct. In the first, long-term modifies plan. In the second, long term follows is and describes the plan.
This distinction is a useful general pattern for compound adjectives, although individual expressions and house styles can have exceptions.
When to Use Long Term
Use long term as two separate words when referring to an extended period rather than using the phrase as a hyphenated modifier before a noun.
The expression frequently appears after prepositions such as in, over, and for. It can also appear in sentences discussing future consequences, outcomes, or plans.
Examples of long term in sentences
- In the long term: In the long term, this decision may save the company money.
- Over the long term: Small improvements can make a difference over the long term.
- For the long term: They are preparing for the long term rather than focusing on immediate gains.
- Think long term: Before making a major purchase, think long term.
- The long term: The team considered both the immediate costs and the long term.
Notice that long term does not need a hyphen in these examples. In phrases such as “in the long term,” the expression refers to a period of time, not a noun immediately following a compound adjective.
The same distinction applies in professional, academic, and everyday writing.
For example:
- Correct: The company expects to benefit in the long term.
- Correct: The company expects to develop a long-term strategy.
Both sentences refer to an extended period, but the grammar differs. The first uses the open expression; the second uses the hyphenated compound adjective.
Why Longterm Is Usually Incorrect
The spelling longterm, with no space and no hyphen, is generally not standard in edited American English.
English contains many closed compound words, such as notebook and classroom. However, the fact that two words frequently appear together does not automatically mean they should be combined into one word.
For this expression, standard writing normally uses either long-term or long term, depending on the sentence.
Consider these examples:
- Nonstandard: We need a longterm solution.
- Standard: We need a long-term solution.
- Nonstandard: This will benefit us in the longterm.
- Standard: This will benefit us in the long term.
If you see longterm online, do not assume it is the preferred spelling. In formal emails, school assignments, business reports, articles, and other edited writing, use the hyphenated or two-word form as appropriate.
Long-Term vs. Long Term in Sentences
The easiest way to understand the difference is to compare the expressions in context.
| Sentence | Correct form | Why |
|---|---|---|
| She has a long-term career plan. | Long-term | It describes plan. |
| The plan should work in the long term. | Long term | It refers to a period. |
| We need a long-term approach to learning. | Long-term | It modifies approach. |
| The benefits will become clear over the long term. | Long term | It follows over the. |
| Their relationship is long term. | Long term | It follows the linking verb is. |
| He is committed to long-term growth. | Long-term | It modifies growth. |
| The company is planning for the long term. | Long term | It follows for the. |
| They want a long-term agreement. | Long-term | It modifies agreement. |
These examples demonstrate that the distinction is grammatical rather than a difference in meaning. Both forms relate to an extended period, but their punctuation changes according to their function.
What about long-term goals versus goals for the long term?
Both expressions are correct:
- She established long-term goals for her career.
- She established goals for the long term.
In the first sentence, long-term is a compound adjective modifying goals. In the second, for the long term is a phrase that explains the time frame of those goals.
You can often rephrase a sentence in either way without changing its main idea.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing long-term and long term, watch for these common errors.
- Writing longterm as one word. Avoid “a longterm plan.” Write “a long-term plan” instead.
- Adding a hyphen to in the long term. The standard expression is “in the long term,” not “in the long-term.”
- Removing the hyphen before a noun. In standard edited prose, write “long-term investment,” not “long term investment,” when the phrase functions as a compound adjective.
- Assuming the hyphen is always required. The hyphen is generally omitted when the expression follows a linking verb or appears in a phrase such as “over the long term.”
- Treating every style guide as identical. General hyphenation principles are widely shared, but editorial styles can differ in specific cases. If you are writing for a publication, school, or employer, follow its style guide when it provides a specific rule.
An Easy Way to Remember the Rule
Use this simple guideline:
- Before a noun: Use long-term.
- When referring to a period: Use long term.
- As one word: Avoid longterm in standard American English.
For example, write “a long-term investment” but “an investment that pays off in the long term.”
If you are unsure, identify the noun and check how the expression functions in the sentence. If it describes a noun directly, the hyphen is generally appropriate. If it refers to a period of time, two separate words are usually the right choice.
Final Takeaway
The answer to “long-term or longterm” is straightforward: use long-term as a compound adjective and long term when referring to an extended period. Avoid longterm as a single word in standard American English.
Remember the difference between “a long-term plan” and “planning for the long term,” and you will be able to choose the correct form confidently in emails, essays, business writing, and everyday communication.