in-the-long-run
/ˌɪn ðə ˌlɒŋ ˈrʌn/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
At the end of a longer period of time, after all results are known. It is used when something may seem difficult now, but its final effect is important.
- It is hard now, but it helps in the long run.
- Studying daily saves time in the long run.
- This choice costs more, but it pays off in the long run.
Adinary Nuance
In the long run is close to phrases like after a while and eventually, but it is not the same. It usually refers to the final result after a long period, especially when comparing short-term cost and long-term benefit. Writers choose it when they want to stress long-term consequences, not just future time.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- về lâu dài
- Spanish
- a largo plazo
- Chinese
- 从长远看
- Japanese
- 長い目で見て
- Korean
- 장기적으로
Etymology
The phrase comes from the idea of a long race or journey. It became common in English as a way to talk about future results after time has passed.
Common phrases
in the long runsave money in the long runpay off in the long runbetter in the long run
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is in the long run formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
- What is the difference between in the long run and eventually?
- Eventually means something happens later. In the long run means the final result after a long time.
- Can I use in the long run in business writing?
- Yes. It is very common when discussing cost, planning, and results.
- Does in the long run always mean something good?
- No. It can describe any final result, good or bad.