lengthy

American  

[lengk-thee, leng-, len-] / ˈlɛŋk θi, ˈlɛŋ-, ˈlɛn- /

adjective

lengthier, lengthiest

1. having or being of great length; very long.

   a lengthy journey.

2. tediously verbose; very long; too long.

   a lengthy speech.

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lengthy British  

/ ˈlɛŋθɪ, ˈlɛŋkθɪ /

adjective

1. of relatively great or tiresome extent or duration

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Other Word Forms

• lengthily adverb
• lengthiness noun

Etymology

Origin of lengthy

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90; length + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The more than 50-year-old law requires new developments to undergo lengthy environmental reviews that can add an average of two years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

He insisted on creating odd-looking buildings and incorporating unusual materials, leading to a lengthy period of ostracism and rejection.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those who had left the Tour were subject to hefty fines, a lengthy suspension and being generally viewed as pariahs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite the increasing use of technology at the top level of the game, many decisions remain controversial, while lengthy waits for reviews to take place are another source of frustration for fans.

From BBC

Arthur Hellman, a University of Pittsburgh emeritus law professor who studies judicial ethics, said there are inherent risks in having any 90-something judge preside over a lengthy case.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• drawn-out
• interminable
• long
• long-winded
• protracted
• tedious