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

After lengthy last-minute wrangling over finances, the three party leaders announced late Tuesday they had come to an accord, the details of which will be presented on Friday.

From Barron's

In a world of frequent natural disasters, the homeowner experience is more commonly defined by what happens after a loss: complex documentation, lengthy rebuild periods, inadequate cash flow.

From Barron's

It is a process that is similar to arbitration that companies regularly agree to as an alternative to potentially damaging and lengthy court battles.

From BBC

It’s harder to find skilled labor and there is now a lengthy wait list for equipment, said Deysel, a geophysicist and mining engineer who has previously worked at various mines across Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, a fine half for the home side ended badly when Guimaraes needed lengthy treatment after colliding with Kovar at a corner and was eventually replaced.

From Barron's

Related Words

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