Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

time-consuming

adjective time-con·sum·ing \ ˈtīm-kən-ˈsü-miŋ \

Definition of time-consuming

1 : using or taking up a great deal of time
  • time-consuming chores
2 : wasteful of time
  • time-consuming tactics

See time-consuming defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of time-consuming

1600

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

TIME-CONSUMING Defined for English Language Learners

time-consuming

adjective

Definition of time-consuming for English Language Learners

  • : using or needing a large amount of time

Learn More about time-consuming

  1. See words that rhyme with time-consuming Nglish: Translation of time-consuming for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up time-consuming? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

jabberwocky

play

meaningless speech or writing

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

time-consuming

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games