lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthier; lengthiest

1

: protracted excessively : overlong

2

: extended, long

lengthily

ˈleŋ(k)-thə-lē 

ˈlen(t)-

adverb

lengthiness

ˈleŋ(k)-thē-nəs 

ˈlen(t)-

noun

Synonyms of lengthy

• long
• elongate

Examples of lengthy in a Sentence

The process is both lengthy and costly.

a series of lengthy delays

Lengthier trips require more planning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nonetheless, the suits could prove costly and lengthy—potentially having a material impact on the company’s bottom line. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025

Other Democratic states have lengthy constitutional or legal steps required to redistrict. —NPR, 6 Nov. 2025

The push of the ambitious, $155 million film, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Stans, Bullet Train) came after Deadline reported in July that despite principal photography wrapping in May 2024, extensive reshoots and a lengthy initial cut required extra post-production time. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025

Was the younger Lincoln a part of material drafted for a lengthier second half of the series that got trimmed? —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lengthy

adjective

ˈleŋ(k)-thē 

ˈlen(t)-

lengthier; lengthiest

: very long

lengthily

-thə-lē 

adverb

lengthiness

-thē-nəs 

noun