The Definitive Online Sports Stylebook

The Ben Watanabe Sports Stylebook

long term, short term

Always two words.

Hyphenate when used as adjective: Drew Bledsoe signed a long-term contract with the Patriots; The Pelicans hoped Zion Williamson could lead them long-term.

Unhyphenated when used as a noun: Jacoby Brissett will serve as the Cardinals’ answer at quarterback in the short term.