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

According to Solidion’s website, the anode has a spherical morphology that provides structural integrity while ensuring prolonged performance. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025

Measmer’s departure triggered the first vacancy of the year and a prolonged dispute over how the seat should be filled. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 2025

International cargo volumes have seen a prolonged impact. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight to prevent drying, cracking, and other damage. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prolonged

• belonged
• longed
• pronged
• thronged
• wronged