protracted
Lasting longer than expected or desired
Examples
In a meeting
“After protracted negotiations, we finally signed the contract.”
Over coffee
“The protracted rain ruined our entire vacation week.”
Why this word
long
protracted emphasizes undue or tedious extension beyond expected duration
extended
extended is neutral about duration, protracted implies excessively or wearisomely prolonged
lengthy
lengthy just describes duration, protracted suggests drawn out beyond what is desirable
Usage tip
Best for describing processes or situations that have become tediously long; implies frustration with the duration
Etymology
Latin protrahere (pro- 'out' + trahere 'to draw'), meaning to prolong or extend
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
tenure
The period of time someone holds a position or office
retroactive
Taking effect from a date in the past rather than from the present
protract
To extend or prolong something in time