a longterm problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a longterm problem" is not correct in standard written English; it should be "a long-term problem." You can use it when discussing issues or challenges that persist over an extended period of time.
Example: "The city is facing a long-term problem with traffic congestion that needs to be addressed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I don't know if it is a longterm problem, I just think it is one of those things that needs rest.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Even down to whether Christopher is suffering from an acute psychotic episode or a more longterm problem.

Vice

Kevin Whately and Sinead Cusack co-star as Larry's son and daughter-in-law who initially pull out all the stops to help, but soon discover the longterm problems of caring for elderly people when there isn't much money to go round.

The Guardian

By giving the Brain perspectives, you are giving it access to these longterm problems.

TechCrunch

It could go beyond intuitiveness and actually serve as your intuition, providing you with revelatory content that solves your longterm problems.

TechCrunch

This isn't a longterm solution for the email problem, but it will work for now.

TechCrunch

Still, a student-run food bank that increasingly becomes a haven for destitute young people is not a longterm solution to a complex problem.

Vice

Maybe the scene was meant to illustrate the rote intimacy of a longterm couple, but it comes across as unfunny slapstick -- and illustrate is exactly the problem; scenes hammer home points without feeling organic.

Huffington Post

It's a longterm investment in yourself.

The Guardian - Arts

Has this been a longterm dream?

The Guardian

It was a longterm ambition of mine to win it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to issues that persist over an extended time, use the hyphenated form "long-term problem" for better clarity and adherence to standard English grammar.

Common error

Avoid omitting the hyphen in "long-term". Without it, the phrase may appear less professional and could slightly alter the intended meaning. Remember that "long-term" functions as a compound adjective modifying "problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adjective modifying a noun. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the correct form is "long-term," where "long-term" acts as a compound adjective describing the "problem."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a longterm problem" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a long-term problem," using a hyphen to link "long" and "term" when they function as a compound adjective. While "longterm" without the hyphen does appear in some sources, it's generally advisable to use the hyphenated form for clarity and grammatical accuracy. As Ludwig AI highlights, using the correct form ensures clear communication and adherence to standard English grammar. When writing, remember that "long-term" correctly modifies a noun, indicating an issue that persists over an extended duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Long-standing issue

Indicates that the problem has existed for a significant amount of time.

Chronic issue

Focuses on the persistent and recurring nature of the problem.

Ongoing concern

Highlights that the problem is currently active and requires attention.

Persistent difficulty

Highlights the ongoing and unyielding nature of the problem.

Entrenched issue

Highlights that the problem is firmly established and difficult to change.

Enduring challenge

Emphasizes the lasting and demanding aspect of the problem.

Deep-rooted problem

Emphasizes the fundamental and ingrained nature of the problem.

Systemic problem

Suggests the issue is embedded within a larger system or organization.

Inherent flaw

Implies the problem is a natural or intrinsic part of something.

Structural defect

Points to a problem related to the basic framework or organization.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a longterm problem"?

No, the correct way to phrase this is "a "long-term problem"". The hyphen connects "long" and "term" when used as a compound adjective.

What are some alternative ways to describe "a longterm problem"?

You can use phrases such as "chronic issue", "persistent difficulty", or "long-standing issue" to convey a similar meaning.

When should I use the term "long-term"?

Use "long-term" when you want to emphasize that something will exist, occur, or last for an extended period. It's used to describe things with effects or durations that span many years or a significant portion of time.

What's the difference between "long term" and "long-term"?

"Long term" (without a hyphen) is typically used as an adverbial phrase (e.g., "Think long term"). "Long-term" (with a hyphen) is used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "long-term solution").