prolonged

[ pruh-lawngd, -longd ]

adjective

1. lasting a long time; lengthy:

   Regular or prolonged absence from school without a valid reason may result in the absentee being barred from examinations.

2. lengthened or extended in time or space:

   Technological innovations in the ICU have led to artificially prolonged life, with associated costs.

   Abnormally shortened or prolonged telomeres are a hallmark of cancer.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of prolong ( def ).

Other Words From

• un·pro·longed adjective
• well-pro·longed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolonged¹

prolong ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the payout after a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.

From BBC

Patients in health care settings have the highest risk for infection, especially those who are on ventilators, have devices such as catheters, are in intensive care units, or have prolonged hospital stays.

From Science Daily

Many people living with terminal illnesses have said the bill offers them hope that they may not have to experience a painful or prolonged death.

From BBC

She said both father and daughter were vulnerable and the harassment had been prolonged.

From BBC

This sense of play is key, allowing “Great Gold Bird” to delve heavily into the realities of living with prolonged grief — its delusions, its isolating nature and its fantastical hopes — without feeling overbearing.

From Los Angeles Times