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

Trump nominated Warsh in late January, following a lengthy search process that included nearly a dozen candidates. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026

After a lengthy investigation found there was no evidence to suggest that the crash was intentional, detectives determined that Gutierrez likely fell asleep at the wheel. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

There could be lengthy back-and-forth exchanges of materials between schools and federal regulators; there could be meetings and hearings, and more meetings and hearings. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Apr. 2026

After suffering a torn ACL in a June 7 game last season, the guard is still completing a lengthy rehabilitation process. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 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