protracted

[ proh-trak-tid, pruh‐ ]

adjective

1. drawn out or lengthened in time; extended in duration:

   a protracted and bloody war.

protracted

/ prəˈtræktɪd /

adjective

1. extended or lengthened in time; prolonged

   a protracted legal battle

Derived Forms

• proˈtractedness, noun
• proˈtractedly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of protracted¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; protract ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Taking such steps could lead to a “voluntary resolution of this matter rather than further, protracted investigation with possible enforcement,” the civil rights office said in its letter.

From Los Angeles Times

But legal experts believe such a policy would face protracted legal battles.

From Los Angeles Times

But China's economy is already ailing and it will be in no mood for a second protracted trade war.

From BBC

Yet they may feel vindicated even if Trump loses narrowly to Harris but his acolytes erupt in litigious, violent and protracted fashion.

From Salon

After a protracted back-and-forth between courts, abortion remains accessible up to 15 weeks of pregnancy in the state.

From Salon

Related Words

• continual
• continuing
• continuous
• enduring
• lingering
• persistent
• recurrent
• sustained