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Synonyms

protracted

American  
[proh-trak-tid, pruh‐] / proʊˈtræk tɪd, prə‐ /

adjective

  1. drawn out or lengthened in time; extended in duration.

    a protracted and bloody war.


protracted British  
/ prəˈtræktɪd /

adjective

  1. extended or lengthened in time; prolonged

    a protracted legal battle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • protractedly adverb
  • protractedness noun

Etymology

Origin of protracted

First recorded in 1590–1600; protract ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Shares have experienced a protracted downturn so far into 2026 amid the leadership shakeup, concerns over slowing growth, and broader turmoil in the financial technology sector.

From Barron's

Shares of alternative asset managers were sliding Monday, adding to a protracted slump fueled by artificial-intelligence disruption concerns.

From Barron's

Silverblatt died Saturday at home after a protracted illness, a close friend confirmed.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2022, the U.S. finished the competition in second place and only climbed atop the podium two years later after a protracted legal battle.

From The Wall Street Journal

The USA won gold after the Russian team was demoted in Beijing in a protracted saga that delayed the medal ceremony by over two years.

From BBC