prolonged

adjective

pro·​longed prə-ˈlȯŋd 

: continuing for a notably long time : extended in duration

a prolonged delay

a prolonged recession

a prolonged absence

a prolonged drought

And in today's competitive situation a prolonged strike can very easily lead to a serious loss of market share which is difficult, if not impossible, to recapture.

—David Reid

Sometimes the only answer is a prolonged time away from the sport followed by a slow, steady reconditioning program along with physiotherapy of some type …

—William J. Goldwag

prolongedly

prə-ˈlȯŋ-əd-lē 

adverb

… and Andy demonstrates … the odd talent of coughing in his sleep, coughing prolongedly without waking himself.

—John Updike

Examples of prolonged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In recent years, attacks on institutions like UnitedHealth and Ascension Health have led to months of operational disruption, massive financial costs and prolonged investigations. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025

Thousands of investors in the Omaha arena gave Buffett a prolonged standing ovation after his announcement in recognition of his 60 years leading the company. —Time, 3 May 2025

Prince Harry is speaking out after losing a legal appeal regarding his security in the U.K., saying the matter has caused prolonged tension with his family. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 2 May 2025

Yiannopoulos had also posted a text message between himself, West and Connelly in which the dentist agreed to deliver tanks of the gas to the Chateau Marmont in L.A. as the West’s on-off publicist protested, listing some of the dangerous long-term damage of prolonged use of the gas. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prolonged

• belonged
• longed
• pronged
• thronged
• wronged