decades-long

adjective

de·​cades-long ˈde-ˌkādz-ˌlȯŋ 

variants or less commonly decadeslong

: lasting two or more decades : occurring over a period of two or more decades

a decades-long career

… no discussion of wolf research would be complete without mention of this fascinating, decades-long study.

—Robert R. Ream

His decades-long accumulation of books makes an eclectic mix …

—Stephen Mihm

Examples of decades-long in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Akamu said Doi taught both him and his father during her decades-long career. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

The minerals in eastern Congo, not only gold but also coltan, tin and tungsten, have been a source of decades-long conflict and of economic opportunities for its residents. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Akin will compete for the Golden Shell for the first time in his decades-long career. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Earl’s Provisions opened last year as a grab-and-go spot and pastry counter, with foods on the menu that have been important in Schulte’s decades-long career. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decades-long

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• prolong
• sarong
• tanjong