prolonged

American  

[pruh-lawngd, -longd] / prəˈlɔŋd, -ˈlɒŋd /

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

Etymology

Origin of prolonged

prolong ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The government has faced criticism over its prolonged silence on the issue - and this marks the first recognition of the involvement of its nationals in the conflict.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Research indicates that retirees who define themselves primarily through their careers are vulnerable to prolonged distress.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Colombo has warned that a prolonged war in the Middle East could seriously undermine efforts to emerge from its economic meltdown of 2022.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

“The likelihood of a prolonged period of higher energy prices, decelerating credit card data and channel checks have investors skeptical on how inelastic air travel demand can be,” he added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 5, 2026

Though I had never had any assignments from a college professor, I had made much harder and more prolonged attempts at self-expression than any of them.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright