long-suffering

adjective

long-suf·​fer·​ing ˈlȯŋ-ˌsə-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce long-suffering (audio)
-ˈsə-
: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
long-suffering noun
long-sufferingly adverb

Examples of long-suffering in a Sentence

you will need infinite long-suffering to put up with that arrogant jerk the long-suffering parents calmly waited until the tantrum had passed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jason Clarke stars as Alex, whose booming charm hides fraudulent business dealings and a growing opioid addiction, while Patricia Arquette is typically commanding as Alex’s long-suffering but demanding wife, Maggie. Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2025 In addition to Ashford and Harper, it was previously revealed that Stephen Colbert will guest star in the Season 3 premiere episode as Scotty Bristol, a late-night host alongside Andy Richter as Mickey Muntz, Scotty’s hilarious but long-suffering sidekick. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 Adam Sandler also shines as the long-suffering manager who has sacrificed much of his life serving his needy boss. Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2025 Stuhlbarg is a particular standout as Alma’s long-suffering husband. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for long-suffering

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-suffering was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Long-suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-suffering. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

long-suffering

adjective
long-suf·​fer·​ing
-ˈsəf(-ə)-riŋ
: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
long-suffering noun
long-sufferingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on long-suffering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!