long-lasting

American  

[lawng-las-ting, -lah-sting, long-] / ˈlɔŋˈlæs tɪŋ, -ˈlɑ stɪŋ, ˈlɒŋ- /

adjective

1. enduring or existing for a long period of time.

   a long-lasting friendship.

2. effective for a relatively long period of time.

   a long-lasting pain reliever.

3. resisting the effects of wear or use over a long period.

   a long-lasting fabric used for work clothes.

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Etymology

Origin of long-lasting

First recorded in 1520–30

Explanation

Long-lasting things stick around for a while. If the medicine you're taking for your sore throat has long-lasting side effects, they'll affect you for many weeks or even months. A long-lasting relationship lasts for years, and long-lasting makeup stays on your face all day, until you wash it off at night. This adjective can mean that something is durable or resilient, or in other words that it holds up over time. Other things are simply long-lasting by coincidence — they've just been there for a long time.

Example Sentences

Morgan strategists said they did not expect most attacks to cause long-lasting disruptions, though some facilities will face lengthy repair timelines — and at least eight assets appeared to be severely damaged.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Our profitability surge might be long-lasting, or even permanent.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The weather is expected to be bad on Thursday in most areas of the country "with long-lasting and intense rains and storms and possibly with local hail", according to the national meteorological service.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Even if the war ends fast, damage already done to oil production facilities could have long-lasting effects.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

But I’d had worse pain, duller and more long-lasting, from various injuries.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• abiding
• durable