long-acting

American  

[lawng-ak-ting, long-] / ˈlɔŋˈæk tɪŋ, ˈlɒŋ- /

adjective

Pharmacology.

1. sustained-release.

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long-acting British  

adjective

1. (of a drug) slowly effective after initial dosage, but maintaining its effects over a long period of time, being slowly absorbed and persisting in the tissues before being excreted Compare intermediate-acting short-acting

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Etymology

Origin of long-acting

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Cornell University scientists have taken a major step toward developing a safe, reversible, long-acting and 100% effective nonhormonal male contraceptive, considered the holy grail of male contraception.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

If a patient’s body is already producing GLP-1 at normal or elevated levels, prescribing a long-acting agonist isn’t correcting a deficit; it may be amplifying a signal that’s already there.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

Some of the women decided to take a long-acting contraceptive method, instead of the birth control pills, because they were worried about funding being cut again, she added.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

No, seriously: Analysts with the firm see potential in Eylea HD, Regeneron’s long-acting eye injection.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Metsera’s obesity portfolio, which includes a long-acting injection that would require fewer shots than Lilly’s drugs, clearly has potential to compete in that category.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025