prolonged

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

Examples of prolonged in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For some unexplained reason, if such an event continues for a prolonged period, citizens can often become inexplicably hostile. —Wayne Chan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Suzuki’s underlying metrics, even through the prolonged slump, highlight why the Cubs are excited to see what 2026 brings. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Mejia urged city leaders to curtail prolonged overspending. —City News Service, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026

Staying active and avoiding prolonged immobility are important preventive measures. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prolonged

• belonged
• longed
• pronged
• thronged
• wronged