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

Santiago’s next hearing is scheduled for September 21, the first of what could be a lengthy series of court proceedings as the case moves forward. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

The lawsuit cites a lengthy article about Meta’s AI glasses by Swedish newspapers Svenska Dagbladet and Göteborgs-Posten. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Good afternoon Insiders, Max Goldbart here back after a lengthy break to helm the weekly newsletter. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

La Strada’s lawsuit comes as Hoskins has been thrust into the spotlight amid a lengthy battle over the state’s congressional map. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

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