Phrase guide

long run

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An extended period of time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, uncountable, usually

Examples

  • in it for the long run
  • It's a little more work up front, but it will save a lot of time in the long run.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: long term

Antonyms: short run

2

noun

Meaning 2

a period of time sufficient for factors to work themselves out

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • in the long run we will win
  • in the long run we will all be dead
  • he performed well over the long haul

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: long haul

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: time period, period of time, period

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.