long-termism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal
Quick answer
What does “long-termism” mean?
The practice or policy of focusing on long-term goals and effects, rather than short-term gains.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or policy of focusing on long-term goals and effects, rather than short-term gains.
A strategic approach in business, investing, or policy-making that prioritizes sustainable outcomes, future stability, and foresight over immediate results.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are largely identical; 'long-termism' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, connotes strategic foresight and responsibility; in UK English, may be more associated with corporate governance discourse.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to business jargon, but not significantly different.
Grammar
How to Use “long-termism” in a Sentence
N in NP (e.g., long-termism in business)N of NP (e.g., long-termism of investments)adj + N (e.g., strategic long-termism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long-termism” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- They manage funds long-term to ensure growth.
American English
- We invest long-term for stability.
adjective
British English
- A long-term approach is vital for sustainability.
American English
- Long-term planning is key to success.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In corporate strategy, long-termism involves investing in research and development for sustainable growth.
Academic
In economic studies, long-termism is analyzed as a counterpoint to short-termist policies in fiscal planning.
Everyday
For personal finance, long-termism means saving early for retirement rather than spending impulsively.
Technical
In climate science, long-termism refers to decades-long strategies for carbon reduction and adaptation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long-termism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long-termism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long-termism”
- Using 'long-termism' as an adjective (e.g., 'a long-termism strategy' – incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'longtermism' without the hyphen.
- Confusing with 'long-term' which is an adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to focusing on long-term goals and outcomes rather than short-term gains.
It is more common in formal, business, academic, and policy contexts, but can apply to personal decisions.
Long-termism is a practice or policy of prioritizing the long term, while foresight is the ability to predict or plan for the future.
Yes, in areas like personal finance, health, education, and career planning by making choices that benefit their future selves.
The practice or policy of focusing on long-term goals and effects, rather than short-term gains.
Long-termism is usually formal in register.
Long-termism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜː.mɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈtɝː.mɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the long game”
- “think ahead”
- “plan for the future”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'long-termism' as 'long-term ism' – an ideology centered on the long term.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A JOURNEY; long-termism is looking far down the road or planting trees for future shade.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most directly opposite to long-termism?