prolonged

[pruh-lawngd, -longd]

adjective

1. lasting a long time; lengthy.

   Regular or prolonged absence from school without a valid reason may result in the absentee being barred from examinations.

2. lengthened or extended in time or space.

   Technological innovations in the ICU have led to artificially prolonged life, with associated costs.

   Abnormally shortened or prolonged telomeres are a hallmark of cancer.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of prolong.

Other Word Forms

• unprolonged adjective
• well-prolonged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolonged¹

prolong ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

"They are causing tremendous suffering that is prolonged over days, sometimes weeks. There seems to be a real pleasure being taken in causing pain."

Read more on BBC

In 2005, on the same day he finished recording “Everything In Transit,” McMahon was admitted to the hospital after complaining of a prolonged sore throat and fatigue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

During a prolonged period of unemployment, those two questions are constant.

Read more on Salon

Without American help Israel could not have attacked Gaza with such ruthless and prolonged force.

Read more on BBC

What’s unfolding before our eyes will eventually tell us if we are living at the beginning of another clampdown or a mere hiccup in a prolonged cabaret.

Read more on Salon