prolonged

1 of 2

adjective

pro·​longed prə-ˈlȯŋd 

: continuing for a notably long time : extended in duration

a prolonged delay

a prolonged recession

a prolonged absence

a prolonged drought

And in today's competitive situation a prolonged strike can very easily lead to a serious loss of market share which is difficult, if not impossible, to recapture.

—David Reid

Sometimes the only answer is a prolonged time away from the sport followed by a slow, steady reconditioning program along with physiotherapy of some type …

—William J. Goldwag

prolongedly

prə-ˈlȯŋ-əd-lē 

adverb

… and Andy demonstrates … the odd talent of coughing in his sleep, coughing prolongedly without waking himself.

—John Updike

prolonged

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of prolong

Examples of prolonged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Addressing this prolonged trade conflict, Washington political news outlet POLITICO brought together four veteran journalists specializing in US-Canada relations and trade policy to analyze potential future trajectories. — CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

With only six matchweeks in its league phase, the Conference League does not get underway until the prolonged September international break on October 15. — Leon Imber, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Since then, the economic uncertainty associated with recurring military conflict has triggered a prolonged decline in industrial activity, pushing Iran into an even deeper recession. — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026

Building collapses are a recurring hazard in parts of India during the June-to-September monsoon season, when heavy or prolonged rain can weaken older structures. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prolonged

• belonged
• longed
• pronged
• thronged
• wronged