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

The most discerning of them, especially those who draw on the decades-long expertise of Tully Luxury Travel advisors, choose to cruise with Silversea, whose intimate expedition ships thoughtfully blend adventure and refined comfort. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026

Ovechkin’s decades-long foil, Sidney Crosby, wasn’t sure if the Capitals star would return, either. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Joe Biden is excluded from this, despite his decades-long career in politics and his son, Hunter, using his influence with the former vice president and eventual president to increase his wealth. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

AIs are already being used to answer decades-long unsolved complex mathematical problems, and have assisted scientists in speeding up scientific discovery and even designing new viruses. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 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