A tiny hyphen can change the way a word or phrase functions in a sentence. That’s exactly what happens with longterm or long-term.
If you’ve ever stopped while writing an email, essay, report, or social media post and wondered whether it should be longterm, long-term, or long term, you’re not alone. The good news is that the rule is fairly straightforward: “long-term” is normally hyphenated when it works as a compound adjective before a noun, while “long term” is normally written as two words when it functions as a noun phrase or follows certain verbs and prepositions.
The form “longterm” as one word is generally not the standard spelling in edited English.
Longterm or Long-Term: Which Spelling Is Correct?
The standard spelling is long-term, with a hyphen, when the two words work together as a compound modifier.
For example:
She has a long-term plan for her business.
Here, “long-term” describes the noun plan, so the hyphen helps show that the two words function together.
But you don’t always need the hyphen.
Consider:
We need to think about this in the long term.
Here, “long term” isn’t directly modifying a noun. It functions as a noun phrase, so it is normally written as two separate words.
So the basic rule is:
- long-term = usually a compound adjective before a noun
- long term = usually a noun phrase
- longterm = generally not the standard form
Should Long Term Be Hyphenated?
The answer to “should long term be hyphenated?” depends on how you’re using it in the sentence.
Use “Long-Term” Before a Noun
When “long-term” comes directly before a noun and describes it, use the hyphen.
Examples:
- long-term goal
- long-term relationship
- long-term investment
- long-term strategy
- long-term effects
- long-term solution
- long-term planning
- long-term commitment
- long-term care
- long-term memory
For example:
The company developed a long-term strategy for growth.
The phrase “long-term” works together to describe “strategy.”
Without the hyphen:
The company developed a long term strategy.
The meaning is still understandable, but the hyphenated version is preferred in standard edited English because it clearly signals that long and term form one compound modifier.
When to Write “Long Term” Without a Hyphen
When long term functions as a noun phrase, it is generally written without a hyphen.
For example:
We need to consider the consequences in the long term.
Here, “the long term” refers to an extended period of time.
Other common expressions include:
- in the long term
- over the long term
- for the long term
- the long term
- long term, the
Examples:
This decision could save money in the long term.
They are investing for the long term.
The effects may become clearer over the long term.
In each case, long term is functioning as a noun phrase rather than directly modifying another noun.
Long-Term vs Long Term: The Easy Rule
If you’re unsure, look at the word that comes after the phrase.
Before a noun → usually “long-term”
a long-term plan
a long-term problem
a long-term solution
a long-term relationship
After “the” in expressions such as “in the” → usually “long term”
in the long term
over the long term
for the long term
This simple test will solve most cases.
Why Is “Long-Term” Hyphenated?
Hyphens are often used to connect words that work together as a single modifier.
Compare these two sentences:
We need a long-term solution.
and:
We need a solution in the long term.
In the first sentence, “long-term” describes the noun solution.
In the second sentence, “the long term” refers to a period of time.
The hyphen helps readers understand the grammatical relationship between the words.
This is a common function of hyphens in English. They can prevent ambiguity and make compound modifiers easier to read.
Is Long Term One Word?
The answer to “is long term one word?” is generally no.
In standard English, the expression is written either:
- long-term, with a hyphen, when used as a compound adjective
- long term, as two words, when used as a noun phrase
The spelling longterm as one word is generally not considered the standard form.
For example:
Correct:
She made a long-term commitment.
Correct:
She plans to stay for the long term.
Generally incorrect in standard edited English:
She made a longterm commitment.
The one-word version sometimes appears informally or as a typographical error, but it isn’t the usual standard spelling.
Long-Term Examples
Here are some common examples where long-term is the correct choice.
Long-Term Goal
My long-term goal is to start my own business.
Long-Term Investment
Real estate can be considered a long-term investment.
Long-Term Effects
Researchers are studying the long-term effects of the treatment.
Long-Term Relationship
They have been in a long-term relationship for several years.
Long-Term Strategy
The company needs a long-term strategy rather than a quick fix.
Long-Term Solution
We need a long-term solution to the problem.
Long-Term Care
Some patients may require long-term care.
In every example, “long-term” directly modifies the noun that follows it.
Long Term Examples Without a Hyphen
Now let’s look at situations where long term should remain two words.
In the Long Term
This decision will probably save money in the long term.
Over the Long Term
The company expects the investment to grow over the long term.
For the Long Term
They’re building the business for the long term.
The Long Term
We need to think about the long term.
In these constructions, “long term” isn’t functioning as a compound adjective directly before a noun.
Longterm vs Long-Term vs Long Term
Here’s the whole issue in one table:
| Form | Correct? | Typical Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| long-term | Yes | Compound adjective | a long-term plan |
| long term | Yes | Noun phrase | in the long term |
| longterm | Generally no | Not standard | Avoid in formal writing |
This distinction is simple once you understand the role the phrase plays in the sentence.
What About “Long-Term” After a Verb?
This is where things can get slightly more interesting.
You may sometimes see long-term used after a linking verb or in a sentence where it functions more like a predicate adjective.
For example:
The benefits are long-term.
This construction is acceptable, although some style guides may prefer rewriting the sentence depending on context.
You could also write:
The benefits will continue over the long term.
The second version makes the time expression especially clear.
The important point is that hyphenation depends on grammatical function and the style conventions being followed.
Long-Term or Long Term in Professional Writing
In business and professional writing, you’ll frequently encounter both forms.
Consider:
We need a long-term business strategy.
But:
We need to consider how this will affect the company in the long term.
Both are correct.
The difference isn’t about formal versus informal English. It’s primarily about how the phrase functions in the sentence.
Common Business Examples
- long-term growth
- long-term planning
- long-term objectives
- long-term sustainability
- long-term investment
- long-term partnership
- long-term success
- long-term risks
- long-term benefits
But:
- in the long term
- over the long term
- for the long term
Long-Term or Long Term in Academic Writing
The same basic rule applies in academic writing.
For example:
Researchers examined the long-term effects of sleep deprivation.
But:
These effects may become more significant in the long term.
Academic writing often contains many compound modifiers, so recognizing when a hyphen is needed can make your writing more polished.
It’s also worth checking the style guide required for your assignment or publication. Different style guides can have specific preferences for hyphenation.
Long-Term or Long Term in a Sentence
Here are some quick examples to make the difference even clearer.
Example 1
We need a long-term solution.
Correct because “long-term” describes “solution.”
Example 2
The solution should work in the long term.
Correct because “the long term” refers to an extended period.
Example 3
She has a long-term career plan.
Correct because “long-term” modifies “career plan.”
Example 4
She wants to build her career over the long term.
Correct because “over the long term” is a time expression.
Example 5
They are focused on long-term growth.
Correct because “long-term” modifies “growth.”
Example 6
They want sustainable growth in the long term.
Correct because “in the long term” functions as a time expression.
Common Mistakes With Long-Term
Mistake 1: Writing “Longterm”
One of the most common errors is combining the two words into one:
longterm
For standard English, avoid this spelling.
Use long-term or long term, depending on the sentence.
Mistake 2: Hyphenating “In the Long Term”
You may sometimes see:
in the long-term
This is generally unnecessary when “long term” is functioning as a noun phrase.
The usual form is:
in the long term
Mistake 3: Removing the Hyphen Before a Noun
For example:
a long term investment
The preferred form is:
a long-term investment
The hyphen makes it clear that “long” and “term” work together to modify “investment.”
Mistake 4: Assuming the Hyphen Always Belongs
The opposite mistake is adding a hyphen everywhere:
in the long-term
In the standard expression “in the long term,” the two words are normally left open.
Long-Term vs Long-Lasting
Although long-term and long-lasting can sometimes appear in similar contexts, they don’t mean exactly the same thing.
Long-term generally describes something associated with an extended period.
a long-term plan
Long-lasting emphasizes durability or the ability to continue for a long time.
a long-lasting battery
You wouldn’t normally replace one with the other in every sentence.
Long-Term vs Short-Term
The same grammatical principle applies to short-term and short term.
Before a noun:
a short-term solution
As a noun phrase:
in the short term
This creates a useful pattern:
- a long-term plan
- a short-term plan
- in the long term
- in the short term
Understanding one makes the other much easier.
Why “Longterm” Looks Tempting
English contains many compounds that eventually become single words.
For example:
- bedroom
- notebook
- worldwide
- lifetime
So it’s understandable that someone might assume longterm works the same way.
However, standard English hasn’t generally established longterm as the normal spelling. The conventional forms remain long-term and long term, depending on grammatical use.
Language does change over time, but formal writing should follow established spelling and hyphenation conventions.
How to Remember the Rule
Here’s an easy trick:
Before a noun? Use the hyphen.
a long-term plan
Talking about a period of time? Usually use two words.
in the long term
And:
Don’t normally combine them into “longterm.”
So remember:
long-term plan
in the long term
not usually longterm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it longterm or long-term?
The standard form is usually long-term when the phrase functions as a compound adjective before a noun. Longterm as one word is generally not the standard spelling.
Should long term be hyphenated?
It depends on how it is used. Use long-term when it directly modifies a noun, as in “a long-term strategy.” Use long term when it functions as a noun phrase, as in “in the long term.”
Is long term one word?
No. In standard English, it is normally written as either long-term or long term, depending on its grammatical function. Longterm is generally not the standard form.
Is “in the long term” correct?
Yes. “In the long term” is the standard form.
The decision should benefit the company in the long term.
Is “long-term” an adjective?
Yes, when it modifies a noun, long-term functions as a compound adjective.
a long-term investment
Here, “long-term” describes the type of investment.
Is “long term” a noun?
It can function as a noun phrase referring to an extended period.
We’re planning for the long term.
Is “long-term” always hyphenated?
Not necessarily. The hyphen is generally used when “long-term” functions as a compound modifier, particularly before a noun. In expressions such as “in the long term,” it is normally written as two words.
Is “longterm” acceptable in formal writing?
It’s best to avoid longterm in formal or edited writing. Use long-term or long term according to the sentence.
What is correct: “long term goals” or “long-term goals”?
The preferred form is “long-term goals.” The phrase “long-term” modifies the noun “goals,” so the hyphen connects the words into a compound modifier.
What is correct: “long term effects” or “long-term effects”?
The standard form is “long-term effects.”
Researchers are studying the long-term effects of the policy.
What is correct: “long-term success” or “long term success”?
The preferred form is “long-term success” because “long-term” modifies “success.”
Conclusion: Longterm or Long-Term?
When you’re wondering about longterm or long-term, the answer is usually straightforward.
“Long-term” is the correct choice when the phrase works as a compound adjective before a noun:
a long-term goal
“Long term” is correct when it functions as a noun phrase, especially in expressions such as:
in the long term
And “longterm” as one word should generally be avoided in standard English.
The easiest rule to remember is simple: hyphenate “long-term” when it directly describes a noun, but use “long term” when you’re referring to an extended period of time.
Once you know that distinction, choosing between long term or long-term becomes much easier—and your writing will look cleaner and more polished.
